As a proud third-generation New Yorker, I always envisioned living in the vibrant city that never sleeps for the rest of my life. Growing up amidst the hustle and bustle of New York, I thrived as a multi-hyphenate artist—juggling roles as a playwright, performer, and chess teacher. My identity was closely intertwined with this metropolis, and I viewed friends who left the city with a sense of scorn, labeling their decisions as failures while taking pride in my own resilience.

However, everything changed dramatically with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools shut down, theaters went dark, and the economic impact forced many, including myself, into a corner. At the age of 38, I found myself unemployed and struggling to keep up with bills, a situation that pushed me to reevaluate my life choices.

In my desperation, I applied for an artist residency at a donkey farm nestled in a tiny town in rural Tennessee. To my surprise, I was accepted. My initial plan was straightforward: save money, write my play, and return to the familiar comforts of New York City in a few months. However, as life would have it, I fell head over heels in love with this small town and decided to completely upend my life in order to stay here with my husband and daughter. Three years later, we are happily settled in this new setting.

One of the most significant advantages of our new life is the drastically lower cost of living compared to New York City. We reside in an off-grid cabin, where my husband and I caretake acres of land for our landladies in exchange for reduced rent. This arrangement not only eases our financial burden but also allows our family to immerse ourselves in nature. Tending to our vegetable garden is a delightful and money-saving activity that we all enjoy.

The freedom and independence that come with living close to the outdoors have been invaluable for our daughter. As she grows, I find myself yearning to share aspects of my New York culture with her—much like my mother did for my sister and me. I want her to experience the wonders of museums, bookstores, concerts, and theaters. Thankfully, we are located less than two hours from Nashville, a city that boasts a thriving cultural scene. This proximity provides a comforting link to the artistic offerings I miss from New York. It allows us to easily dive back into a world of creativity whenever the nostalgia hits.

Interestingly, I’ve come to realize that I prefer the simplicity of living in a smaller town with fewer choices. Gone are the days of being bombarded by digital advertisements at every corner—from moving vehicles to bus stops. The decision fatigue that often accompanies living in a bustling city has been replaced by a sense of clarity and focus. I now find that I have more cognitive energy to be present with my family and devote time to building my artistic career.

Of course, the transition hasn’t been without its challenges. Living in a remote small town means certain conveniences are sacrificed. For instance, we cannot get pizza delivered to our cabin deep in the woods. Yet, in a twist of fate, I discovered a newfound passion for cooking, which my daughter has also embraced. While I miss the walkability of city life, I have learned to navigate my surroundings and even acquired driving skills. Although we lack numerous child-friendly activities within immediate reach—most are a 40-minute drive away—we have ample space to foster creativity. My husband even constructed a giant wooden obstacle course for our daughter in our spacious front yard.

Finding work opportunities locally has proven to be a significant hurdle, but this challenge spurred my entrepreneurial spirit. Just over a year ago, I launched a grant consulting business and began accepting freelance writing gigs. Now, my daily 'commute' consists of a short walk to my she-shed, built just steps away from our cabin—no trains or buses in sight.

Reflecting on this journey, I am profoundly grateful for the bold decision my family made to step outside our comfort zone. Yes, I often miss the easy access to live music, comedy shows, museums, theaters, and diverse dining options that New York City offered. However, each day in Tennessee is filled with its own unique adventures—from handling rattlesnakes to felling trees, rescuing dogs, and devising irrigation systems for our garden during heavy rains.

While I cannot deny that the pandemic forced my hand, I am thankful for the opportunity to embrace this new chapter. It has led to personal growth and a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life: cherishing time with loved ones and creating art within the natural beauty that surrounds us. Some New Yorkers might think I've simply 'fallen short' in the city—perhaps they are right. Nevertheless, I’ve learned that the secret to leading a fuller life was waiting just outside my comfort zone. I cherish my time in New York but now find joy in watching the sunrise from our hilltop, trading the frantic rush for tranquil mornings filled with possibility.