The Comfort-Growth Paradox
Embracing Small-Town Life and Finding Contentment
You know those Hallmark movies where the big city girl moves back to her quaint hometown and everything just falls into place? Well, let me tell you, my return to small-town Iowa hasn't been quite that picture-perfect – but in many ways, it's been even better.
Everyone wants to know, "Why did you move back?"
The truth is, Emory, my boyfriend, and I had already been feeling a void in our lives after the pandemic – a sense of disconnection from the familiarity and comfort of being close to family. This feeling was only intensified by life's unexpected twists. Just as we were about to move back across the country, my dad unexpectedly passed away, leaving us with a profound sense of loss and a renewed appreciation for the importance of family.
In many ways, this experience solidified our decision to move back to Iowa. It wasn't just about chasing a romanticized ideal of small-town life; it was about reconnecting with what truly mattered to us. Despite the challenges that followed, the motivation to return remained strong – a desire to build a life where we could slow down, find our own pace, and create something meaningful.
This journey has been anything but straightforward, but it's taught me the value of embracing change and finding strength in the unexpected.
It was during this time of transition that I recalled an interview with Joanna Gaines about her pursuit of "contentment."
Her perspective challenged my skepticism about the word:
What if contentment isn't about settling, but about finding satisfaction in the present while still looking forward to tomorrow?
Here's the thing about small-town living that Hallmark movies often miss: it's not about going back in time to embrace a missed opportunity or giving up life as you know it to take on a completely different persona. It's about discovering a sweet spot where comfort and growth harmoniously coexist .
Lessons from My Journey
Discover Your Circle: Emerge yourself in the community authentically. Whether it's joining a Saturday morning yoga class or volunteering for a cause you're passionate about, create opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.
Create the Life you Want: Miss something from city life? Bring it to your small town! I started a book club recreating a beloved aspect of my LA life and forging new, meaningful connections in the process.
Stay Curious & Connected: Leverage technology to keep one foot in the wider world. Virtual workshops and conferences allow you to sharpen your skills while enjoying small-town perks.
Embrace the Pressure to Grow: There's a unique, positive pressure that comes from a community that's known you since childhood. Use their belief in your potential as fuel for personal development. And if you're joining a new community entirely, don't be afraid to lean on the friends who choose to show up for you – their support can be just as powerful.
The Unexpected Gift of Small-Town Living
Contrary to what you might expect, living in a small town doesn't shrink your world – it can actually expand it. With a strong home base, I've found the confidence to dream bigger and reach further than ever before.
The support of a close-knit community has pushed me to grow in ways I never anticipated. It's not about settling; it's about building something for myself, dictating my own pace in a world that often moves too fast.
I'm curious – what does contentment look like in your world? How do you find that balance between comfort and growth?
All of the above?! For me I’ve realized that contentment is about finding that sweet spot where comfort meets ambition and where tradition mingles with innovation.
With Love,
