Spring is almost here, and I am beyond ready for it. Winter has had me feeling a little low, a little uninspired, and, frankly, just over it. Bring on the sunshine and the vitamin D!

This year, so far, has felt pretty unremarkable. I turned 50, a big milestone in theory, but in reality, it just kind of happened. My sister came to visit, which was wonderful, but beyond that, I’ve been sick for weeks, and other than hearing my doctor give me the old “this is what happens at your age”, it’s just been a lot of nothingness. And when you’re stuck in bed, isolated from others, for that long, it gives you a lot of time to think.

If you read my last post, From Good to Great: Ditching ‘Good Enough’ and Chasing Something Greater, then you know I’m on a winding path to self-discovery and growth. I want more. Not in a greedy, give me all the things kind of way, but in a my soul is craving more kind of way. And today, I want to talk about what that looks like, specifically in my lifestyle choices.

Dreaming of a New Way of Living

For the last few years, my husband and I have talked about moving. Originally, we planned to move to the mountains as soon as our 17-year-old graduates, which will be in 2026, but then that changed to finding land just outside of Florence, SC, so we could stay here while my youngest daughter graduated. Paired with the fact that my oldest son and his wife, along with my grandkids, have also moved to Florence, as much as I would like to leave, it does push me to want to stay. So we decided we would make it work here and build a home designed exactly the way we want it. But as I’ve explored our options, I’ve realized that might not be possible. The cost of land is high here (and so is building), and we’re not trying to bury ourselves under a mountain of debt.

That realization has pushed us to consider what we really want. While the path is changing, the goal is still the same: a simpler, more sustainable life. We’ve both always leaned a little “hippy,” and the thought of moving to the mountains or the country if we stay local, growing our own food, and living with less is incredibly appealing. But is it realistic? We don’t know yet. And for a logical, goal-oriented person like me, it’s a frustrating feeling to feel like we’re standing still and not have a plan.

While I’m addressing feelings of frustration, I want to add that one of the things that keeps me from feeling completely overwhelmed about all of this is my husband’s unwavering positivity. The man can find the good in anything and never seems to feel unfulfilled or like something won’t work out. He is truly happy anywhere, as long as he is with me. And I feel the same way, but our perspectives on fulfillment are so different. I need a plan, a goal, and an end result to feel like I’m moving forward, while he is content to go with the flow. I admire that about him. I wish I could be more like that, but I also appreciate his ability to bring me back down to earth when I start feeling trapped by uncertainty. His optimism is the anchor that keeps me from sinking into frustration, and I’m so grateful for that.

Small Changes, Big Shifts

Because I’ve been sick for the first few weeks of the year, I will be honest and say, we haven’t made massive lifestyle changes yet, but we have started shifting our mindset. One of the biggest changes? Cutting out unnecessary spending.

Emotional shopping has been a comfort of mine for years. It’s so easy to justify: It’s been a long week, I deserve this! But the reality is, those little splurges add up, not just financially, but mentally. I’ve had to learn to say “no” to myself. And even harder? Saying “no” to my girls. It’s tough when they want something, and I have the ability to buy it for them. But we’re making this shift as a family, and that means teaching them the value of earning their own money. Our oldest already has a job and could work more hours to earn more of what she wants to do, and our youngest now has options for earning money through chores. This isn’t about deprivation; it’s about empowerment.

The Struggle of Wanting More

One of my biggest struggles in all of this is balance. I’ve been a mom for 30 years, and my youngest is just 12 years old, which means I still have 6 years of having kids at home. For so long, my identity has been wrapped in being a wife and mother, and I love those roles. But I also want more for myself. And sometimes, that makes me feel like an awful person.

Can’t we do both? Can’t we be good parents while also chasing more for ourselves? How do we make sure we’re not sacrificing our children’s happiness for our own, or vice versa? These are the questions I wrestle with daily. But I have to believe there’s a way to honor both.

Redefining Contentment vs. Fulfillment

I’ve been thinking a lot about the difference between contentment and fulfillment.

Contentment is a state of satisfaction. It’s being at peace with what you have. And I do feel content in many areas of my life; I love my husband, my children, and my job. But fulfillment? That’s different. Fulfillment is an ongoing pursuit. It’s about growth, purpose, and the why behind our choices.

I don’t think wanting more is a bad thing. More isn’t about greed; it’s about growth. It’s about listening to that voice inside that says, You’re meant for something greater.

Faith and the Journey to Something More

The more I explore this desire for a simpler, more meaningful life, the more I realize how deeply it’s tied to my faith. I want to be closer to God, and for me, that means being closer to nature and all that He has given us. It means growing my own herbs and food, being intentional about the space I live in, and aligning my daily life with my values.

Yes, a change of location is definitely on my agenda, but this journey isn’t just about changing where we live or how we spend money. It’s about transforming how we live. I want to create a life that nourishes my soul, strengthens my faith, and brings me closer to the things that truly matter.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

So, where do we go from here?

For now, we’re taking things one step at a time. We’re focusing on:

• Continuing our no-spend mentality, not as a punishment, but as a way to prioritize what truly matters.
• Teaching our kids financial responsibility so they grow up understanding the value of work and money.
• Researching and exploring options for our future home, whether that means moving out to the country or finding land in the mountains…or just staying where we are (I am praying this isn’t the result).
• Deepening our faith by making time for prayer, gratitude, and reflection.

I don’t have all the answers, but I know this: I refuse to settle for “good enough.” I want to live fully, intentionally, and with purpose. And I’m willing to do the hard work to make that happen. I also want to learn to be okay with wanting more. Not in a way that disregards what I have, but in a way that honors my soul’s calling. I’m chasing greatness, not because I’m ungrateful, but because I know I’m capable of so much more.