Our introduction to country living

after ten years living by the seaside

Since moving to the country and leaving behind a very busy decade of life, I have found myself in a season of stillness and embracing a slower pace of life. Don’t get me wrong, life with four kids is still hectic most of the time, but since moving to a quieter place, where the sky is bigger and the breathtaking hinterland views never tire, I have found myself naturally getting more in touch with the seasons.

As the mornings and evenings start to become cooler, I find myself having the urge to start preparing for the cooler months. Our garden beds are almost ready for planting after months of soil preparation, I find myself starting to potter around the kitchen preparing immune supporting foods, such as sauerkraut, and turmeric and ginger paste to mix into warm coconut milk. It feels like my intuition has become stronger and more in tune with the seasons since slowing down. My mind is already excitedly preparing for how I will introduce Autumn into our home through seasonal cooking, crafts, decorations and homeschool rhythms.

I sometimes ask myself how I have come to be in this way of life and mindset, after thinking of how I rushed through life at a million miles for almost two decades. I used to wonder how on earth I would ever slow down as I was addicted to the hustle. But little by little, I started to make conscious decisions to say no to the things that no longer felt right to me, align my life to my values and develop habits that enriched my life to this new pace of intentionality and rest. Giving space for wonder, exploration, peace and being present. I still have a lot to learn, but do I regret leaving the racing pace of the life that I left behind? Not one bit.