Over the past year, I have faced quite the challenge with social media. Amid the current global events, it's easy to feel like you're just contributing to the noise. The situations in Ukraine and Gaza have weighed really heavily on my mind, with their immense devastation and injustices keeping me awake at night. It has been a struggle to see the relevance of my work, which focuses on helping mothers find peace, joy, contentment, and appreciating the beauty in everyday life.
Taking a break from the online world and reflecting deeply has helped me realise the value in what I do and indeed in the role of all mothers. Regardless of how we choose to use our voices, I strongly believe that we can make a difference by starting at home with our children, shaping the atmosphere we create and the kind of individuals we raise.
My time offline has also provided me with more mental space and strengthened my desire to simplify our lives even further.
The small longing I once had to leave the city for the tranquility of the countryside has now grown pretty significantly.
Having lived in Liverpool my whole life, I have a profound sense of belonging and connection to this place. I am incredibly proud of its resilience and history. This may sound strange, but the sight of the Liver building and the sound of "You'll Never Walk Alone" evoke really deep emotions in me, rooted in our culture, history, and family stories. I don't think I'm alone in feeling that as a "Scouser", we have a unique identity that separates us from the broader English identity.
Being a true "home bird," feeling the urge to move on from here is a huge decision for me, in fact it's the biggest change we have ever contemplated. Leaving behind family will undoubtedly be the most challenging aspect of this and there will need to be a transition period. But I hope that moving further away will allow us to spend more quality time together when do meet up, a luxury we currently have very little of. With everyone engrossed in work and hectic schedules, seeing family more than once a week for a few hours is a rare occurrence.
This long-awaited dream has been in the making for a while though, not just the last few years. For as long as I can remember I have envisioned living in a beautiful country cottage. Imagine children playing outside in a picturesque meadow or near a babbling brook, fresh white sheets swaying on a line in a soft breeze, ducks strolling through a garden brimming with flowers, and me in a welcoming kitchen preparing a hearty meal with homegrown produce from our own vegetable patch. Admittedly, it may sound overly romanticised, or like something from a bygone era, but who doesn't daydream about escaping harsh realities at times? Certainly, I understand that challenges will arise, and it won't all be smooth sailing. However, I've managed to transform a rather mundane suburban life into something really beautiful. Therefore I am ready to embrace this new challenge.
It took me some time, but I've realised that nothing has to be permanent. If we make a mistake and dislike it, we can always make a change. Sometimes, we must take a leap of faith and hope for the best. Our current home will be listed for sale in the next two weeks, so the task of getting it 'ready for sale' begins now. Our poor home really hasn't been a top priority over the past three to four years, with a baby and toddler at home. Daily chores like dishes, laundry, and tidying up toys have taken up most of our time, leaving little room for DIY projects, painting, or repairs. So, I've created a detailed to-do list and have a busy time ahead, but I'm doing my best to approach it calmly, scheduling plenty of breaks, and I'm starting to feel excited about making progress.
Now I need your help. Have you transitioned from city life to the countryside? What tips would you share?Or are you a city person who dreads the thought? Are there any accounts or people I should follow for inspiration? Share your insights, experiences, and any advice you have to offer with me please. I would love to hear from you! Comment below or message me on Instagram @motherwithintention
Take care and speak soon
Katie xx
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