You need to read Ann Patchett’s essay “What now?” (I reference it in the final chapter of PS). Consider it the perfect accompaniment to your why not?! x
Oh I just looked it up and I'm going to call our book store and ask them to hold a copy for me. Thank you! I have enjoyed some of her other books. I had no idea she had written non-fiction too (it looks like she's written several!). x
Oh I can relate so strongly to this! 3 years ago, my husband and I moved from our comfortable city life out to a small mountain town. My husband left his stable, but unfulfilling job and I just trusted I could restart my practice. It’s been hard at times with very little child care, no delivery food options (ha! the things we took for granted in the city), and no family nearby. But our new community has been so worth it. We recently bought a small farm, kids are thriving, we feel a strong sense of belonging, and are creating a beautiful life. Thanks for sharing your story. Fun to reflect on ours. 💕
I love hearing this, Jenna. I'm so glad you are all thriving and have found a community you love. It makes such a difference! (And how funny about the grocery delivery! Hopefully you can find a local farmers swap/share program for farm produce -- and learn to buy in bulk for the other things!) xx
Ha! Oh gosh there are many amazing local farmers. It’s just those moments of oh shit, no one has time in their day to stop at the store and we don’t have food for dinner. lol. The city conveniences that you definitely learn to live without!
I’d love to start writing and publishing myself! Has previously felt too big / scary / something other, talented, cool women do - but woke up this morning with some fresh inspiration and have now read this. Why not? Thank you, Courtney!
Thanks for sharing, Gabrielle. I say go for it! Start writing and see where that takes you. Set small goals for yourself that are achievable so that you feel a sense of progress and momentum (this helps for me). Also, if you haven't yet read Anne Lamott's 'Bird by Bird', I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to write. xx
I love this Courtney. We too have had moments where we have uprooted our family to follow another way.. another path against the norms. We have been misunderstood at times but deep down, know we are following the right path for our family. I have been very inspired by your story 🫶🏼
I remember when I first came across your Instagram account Courtney, it was when you were travelling. I thought it was the most wonderful thing that you were doing that amazing adventure with your family. It really inspired me then. I think a part of your story rubbed off on me, as it's one of the things I want to do with my family sometime, to go travel, see the world and have those experiences. And the fact you were home educating as well really resonated with me and was one of the many things that inspired me and my family to start home education. All our stories of asking that question 'wjy not?' have yo power to influence others and that's so amazing isn't it. Being brave and bold is possible, we just have to give it a try.
You're so sweet, Laura. Thanks for sharing this. It really does make me so happy to think that we have inspired others to travel with their family as it was honestly the best year of our lives and we all speak so fondly about it all the time. (I really want to do something similar with Wilkie so he has an experience like this in his childhood.) xx
I love your boldness! I was living in London with small children when you all left for your year of travel. I thought that was just so awesome, and it definitely inspired me to see more possibilities than I had previously allowed myself.
You need to read Ann Patchett’s essay “What now?” (I reference it in the final chapter of PS). Consider it the perfect accompaniment to your why not?! x
Oh I just looked it up and I'm going to call our book store and ask them to hold a copy for me. Thank you! I have enjoyed some of her other books. I had no idea she had written non-fiction too (it looks like she's written several!). x
Oh I can relate so strongly to this! 3 years ago, my husband and I moved from our comfortable city life out to a small mountain town. My husband left his stable, but unfulfilling job and I just trusted I could restart my practice. It’s been hard at times with very little child care, no delivery food options (ha! the things we took for granted in the city), and no family nearby. But our new community has been so worth it. We recently bought a small farm, kids are thriving, we feel a strong sense of belonging, and are creating a beautiful life. Thanks for sharing your story. Fun to reflect on ours. 💕
I love hearing this, Jenna. I'm so glad you are all thriving and have found a community you love. It makes such a difference! (And how funny about the grocery delivery! Hopefully you can find a local farmers swap/share program for farm produce -- and learn to buy in bulk for the other things!) xx
Ha! Oh gosh there are many amazing local farmers. It’s just those moments of oh shit, no one has time in their day to stop at the store and we don’t have food for dinner. lol. The city conveniences that you definitely learn to live without!
I’d love to start writing and publishing myself! Has previously felt too big / scary / something other, talented, cool women do - but woke up this morning with some fresh inspiration and have now read this. Why not? Thank you, Courtney!
Thanks for sharing, Gabrielle. I say go for it! Start writing and see where that takes you. Set small goals for yourself that are achievable so that you feel a sense of progress and momentum (this helps for me). Also, if you haven't yet read Anne Lamott's 'Bird by Bird', I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to write. xx
I love this Courtney. We too have had moments where we have uprooted our family to follow another way.. another path against the norms. We have been misunderstood at times but deep down, know we are following the right path for our family. I have been very inspired by your story 🫶🏼
I remember when I first came across your Instagram account Courtney, it was when you were travelling. I thought it was the most wonderful thing that you were doing that amazing adventure with your family. It really inspired me then. I think a part of your story rubbed off on me, as it's one of the things I want to do with my family sometime, to go travel, see the world and have those experiences. And the fact you were home educating as well really resonated with me and was one of the many things that inspired me and my family to start home education. All our stories of asking that question 'wjy not?' have yo power to influence others and that's so amazing isn't it. Being brave and bold is possible, we just have to give it a try.
You're so sweet, Laura. Thanks for sharing this. It really does make me so happy to think that we have inspired others to travel with their family as it was honestly the best year of our lives and we all speak so fondly about it all the time. (I really want to do something similar with Wilkie so he has an experience like this in his childhood.) xx
Such a great and inspiring read, thank you Courtney !
Thanks for reading and for your comment. xx
I love your boldness! I was living in London with small children when you all left for your year of travel. I thought that was just so awesome, and it definitely inspired me to see more possibilities than I had previously allowed myself.