Monday, September 19, 2011

How do you decide where to live?



I have a question for both of you readers out there. But first, let me apologize for being absent so long. I'd like to say that I've been busy, but that really wouldn't be true. Busy inside my head, possibly, but not physically busy by any means. Yes, this must change, but I digress ...........

Here is my question: given circumstances which would allow you to do so, how would you decide where you would most like to live? Would geography be your first priority? Weather? Family or friends? Or have you never really thought about the possibility that you can choose where you want to live?

It seems that, as is lifestyle, choice of life location is mandated mostly by two things: upbringing and job availability. Choice does not necessarily enter into our geographic circumstances.

My impression is that, in general, we pay as much attention to our choice of geographic location as we do to our daily lives. In other words: not much. While taking family and responsibilities into consideration, why don't we consider these things which are so infused with the potential for bathing our souls in utter bliss? Ya, I know. Location isn't everything ......... unless you're in real estate, of course.

But for those of you who travel, you know that there are locations which can take you to a spiritual place that no other can. For me it's the mountains. I first saw the mountains when I was in grade school. I was fortunate enough to have parents who thought that travel was important. My first site of the Tetons is something I remember today, 50 years later. That particular mountain range was life changing then, and still is stunning, no matter how often I see it.



So here I am, 40 years later, actually buying property in the mountains. I've fantasized about so many places: Salem, MA; Wyoming; California; Maine; Oregon; Washington State; Austin, TX. To be as comfortable and inspiring as a geographical location could be there must be a multitude of things coming together. Like-minded people, landscape which inspires, a compatible political environment, enjoyable activities. All of these add up to an environment that stimulates, soothes and inspires.

Tell me, you two readers out there, what does this for you?

3 comments:

Dianie said...

Hi Mo :)
Well, I'm born and raised a Northern Utah girl, and not far at all from the Grand Tetons. Which is breathtaking may I add.
I was fortunate as a child as well. My folks took us all over the United States and to this very day if I could choose a place to live it would be Island Park, Idaho. Even closer to the Grand Tetons :)
I love the Nature that surrounds you, the fishing,camping and canoeing.. The fresh air and slow paced lifestyle.. I dream of living there, looking out of my studio window to the snow covered pines.. Having Thanksgiving dinner in front of a cozy fireplace.. yep.. Now I am in DREAM LAND, lol...
Congrats on your purchase of your land in the Tetons :)

~Diane

MoJo said...

Diane - Not moving quite as far north as the Tetons, but I know I'll visit. Now you've got me interested. I need to research Island Park, Idaho. Thank you!

Curtis W. Jackson said...

Congrats on your land purchase and may you have fulfilling success with it. I was born on Long Island and rarely travel beyond the eastern US states. I went to Canada once. At this point the choice to live does not truly matter, most places have their blessings and disadvantages.
Of course I do not wish to live in an improvised city or slum land or any seriously problematic locality. I look forward nonetheless to dwell on a paradise earth with true peace and security and no environmental ills. With that outlook for the future the choice of habitation would not matter.