It’s funny how we humans love a plan. Not just any plan—a very specific, carefully imagined, “this is exactly how it will go” kind of plan. But sometimes life throws you a curveball like deciding moving from Sydney to Guyra. And the moment life dares to freestyle? We get stressed, annoyed, mildly dramatic… you know, the usual. This is all part of a country lifestyle change, and it definitely makes things interesting.
But one thing I’ve learned in my wiser—or at least more experienced—years is this: sometimes when things don’t go to plan, they turn out better than anything you could’ve organised yourself. Annoying, but true. Peace, it turns out, shows up when we stop clutching the plan like a control freak and loosen our grip on the “what ifs”—especially the scenarios our brains love to rehearse. This is just another lesson that comes with living the country lifestyle and embracing change.
Life has a funny way of moving in cycles—we talk about it all the time—and somehow, we’ve both managed to hit the “plot twist” phase at exactly the same moment. While my partner has had many careers, his last career spanned twenty plus years and he feels that it’s time to slow down a little, enjoy life a little more but also create a few new challenges of his own. Hey, what man wouldn’t be excited about a farm that comes ready with a bob cat, a 12 car garage, workshop and enough drawers that must be filled with tools that are required when in the country. Interestingly, this shift leads to a lifestyle change that only the country can inspire.
The idea was that we’d be well into the move by now. Our friends have heard about it so many times I’m surprised they haven’t started charging admission. They’re excited for us (bless them), but a couple of things have delayed the grand departure. And while that used to frustrate me, I’m starting to see it differently—sometimes things don’t happen for a reason, sometimes it’s just life doing its thing. Honestly, that sense of unpredictability is one of the surprising elements of adjusting to a country lifestyle change.
That said, the delay has given me something unexpected: time. Time to get used to the idea of not being in Sydney anymore (well at least most of the time). Time to sit with what’s changing instead of sprinting past it. It’s not entirely unfamiliar—my parents are there, and I’ve visited plenty—but let’s be honest, visiting somewhere and living there are two very different experiences. We’ve all had that holiday moment: “I could totally live here!” …usually said while holding a wine and having zero responsibilities. Reality tends to be slightly less glamorous. In fact, gradual adjustments are a huge part of any country lifestyle change.
For the first time in what feels like forever, I’m not working. Old me would’ve panicked (even my friends said to me recently “how are you?” “are you coping okay” – they know me well. I thrived on being busy, booked, and borderline overcommitted. But right now? It feels… right. Like I’ve accidentally stumbled into the pause I didn’t know I needed. Well I did know I needed it, but perhaps didn’t think was possible. My days are slower, softer. I walk the dog (who, frankly, has a better social life than I do), catch up with friends, spend time at the dog park chatting to other devoted pet parents, and write things like this – which is mostly for me, let’s be honest, but I’m enjoying every second of it. This slower pace is just one benefit brought about by a change to country lifestyle.
I’ve also started cooking more, which is both surprising and slightly concerning. I’m basically one apron away from becoming Betty Crocker, and honestly… I don’t hate it. If you’re interested in what I cook you can find it in the recipe section. Can’t claim as my own but they are my favourites. Add in some gardening, time with my partner, and—most importantly—time with my parents, and it’s a pretty full, very wholesome life. They’ve always been my anchors, my constants, the people who show up without question. Being able to spend real, quality time with them now feels incredibly special—and I’m extremely lucky my partner saw and wanted that for me too. All of these moments are made even richer as we experience the country lifestyle change together.
There’s something exciting about a new chapter. Growth has this quiet buzz about it—equal parts thrilling and slightly terrifying. It feels like the timing is finally lining up the way it’s meant to, Not the way I tried to force it. I’m starting to believe life moves in cycles—jobs, people, places, even versions of ourselves—and they begin and end when they’re supposed to, even if we don’t get the memo in advance. Making a country lifestyle change brings all these thoughts to the surface.
And through it all, I’ve realised just how lucky I am when it comes to the people in our life. Friends who have seen me at my best, worst, and all the messy in-between. They still choose to stick around (and even be seen with me in public, which feels like a win). The kind of friendships that hold you steady when you’re not quite sure where you’re going to land. I genuinely don’t take that for granted. At the heart of this transition is the country lifestyle change and how it shapes relationships.
Now, the momentum is building again.
The move is starting to feel real—exciting, daunting, all of it at once. I’m looking forward to getting to know a new town, the people within that town, finding new favourite coffee spots (a top priority), settling into new routines, and embracing a different pace of life. We’re planning what to bring, debating how many jumpers is too many jumpers (there is no such thing in Guyra), and drawing up renovations for our beautiful 1890s farmhouse. Above all, this country lifestyle change is shaping up to be one of our greatest adventures yet.
There’s also a veggie garden waiting for me. This feels optimistic, given my track record—so I’ll absolutely be taking tips from anyone willing to share them. The goal is simple: fill this new home with warmth, laughter, and the people who matter most. We’ve already got a full house booked for the end of June, and I can’t wait. Clearly, our country lifestyle is changing in ways both big and small.
I know most blogs are meant to teach something, offer advice, or neatly wrap things up in a life lesson. This one? It’s more of a “come along for the ride” situation. It’s about the journey—the wins, The hiccups, the “what on earth are we doing?” moments—and maybe learning a few things along the way. In fact, if you’re considering your own country lifestyle change, I hope my story resonates with you. If you would like to more about our move and why we moved here click here to see more About Roseville.
I’m excited to share it all—the good, the messy, and everything in between—if you feel like sticking around. If you’re interested in learning more about the New England region, check out some of the wonderful things we are discovering in the area here: Things I’m loving in the New England region (so far).
Leave a Reply