Place
Prompt 02.01
Prompt: Reflecting on the past year, how has living in your chosen geographic area supported your lifestyle and goals? Do you feel connected to your community and the environment around you? Are there aspects of your location that you’d like to explore or change in the coming year to better align with your values, needs, and other goals?
This morning, I was texting with my sister (Hey, sis!), and it got me thinking about how different our lives are, simply because of where we’ve chosen to live. She’s down by the beach, living that sun-soaked, salt-air life, while I live in the mountains. Our lives often reflect the unique joys of our respective environments: hers filled with ocean waves and sandy toes, mine with crisp mountain air and towering pines. It’s funny how geography can shape so much of our daily lives, from our routines to our sense of connection.
Reflecting on the past year, I’ve realized how much living in the mountains has supported my lifestyle and goals. At first, the adjustment was a bit jarring, and moving from a bustling city to a quieter, more remote area came with its challenges. But the longer I’m here, the better I get at appreciating all this area has to offer. The slower pace has allowed me to focus on my personal growth, creativity, and well-being in ways I hadn’t even thought of before. Hiking trails, quiet mornings with a view of the peaks, and the cooler weather have become integral parts of my life. It’s a different kind of beauty than the beach, but it’s beauty all the same.
I’ve also started to feel more connected to my community here. It’s smaller and more tight-knit than what I was used to, but there’s a warmth and authenticity to it that I’ve come to appreciate. The environment, too, has been a source of inspiration. The mountains have a way of putting things into perspective, reminding me of the importance of resilience, stillness, and awe.
That said, there are still aspects of this place I’d like to explore or change in the coming year. I want to dive deeper into the local culture and history, perhaps by attending more community events or learning about the indigenous roots of this land. And while I love the mountains, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the beach sometimes. Maybe this year, I’ll find a way to balance the two—perhaps a visit to the coast to recharge the beach batteries.
Reflecting on this question has reminded me how much our surroundings shape us, and how important it is to be intentional about where and how we live. Whether it’s the beach, the mountains, or somewhere in between, our environment plays a role in our happiness and growth. As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring and appreciating this mountain life, while staying open to the lessons it has to teach me.
What about you? How has your geographic area shaped your life over the past year? Are there changes or explorations you’d like to make in the year ahead?