The relentless hum of traffic vibrated through Amelia’s bones, a constant reminder of the world’s frenetic pace. Tailgaters, glued to her bumper even as she crept along ten miles over the speed limit, fueled her simmering frustration. “What if a deer jumps out?” she muttered, gripping the steering wheel. “What if someone pulls out in front of me? Their impatience could cause a chain reaction, making things so much worse.” The logic was inescapable, yet the behavior persisted, a maddening paradox that made her long for escape.
Amelia dreamed of a different life, far north or deep in the wilderness, where the air was clean and the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the calls of birds. A small cabin, a garden bursting with life, a simple existence lived in harmony with nature – that was her vision. She imagined trading the daily commute for quiet mornings spent tending her vegetables, the stress of deadlines for the rhythm of the seasons.
More than the traffic, though, it was the relentless pursuit of “more” that weighed on her. People rushing from place to place, chasing happiness in the form of possessions, recognition, or fleeting moments of fame. “Once I get this, then I’ll be happy,” they seemed to say, never realizing that the goalposts kept shifting. Amelia had seen it in her own life, the fleeting satisfaction of a new purchase quickly replaced by the yearning for something else. It was a hamster wheel, a race with no finish line.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Amelia sat on her porch, a steaming mug of tea in her hands. The quiet was a balm to her soul. She watched a family of deer graze in the meadow beyond her yard, their gentle presence a stark contrast to the chaos of the city. In that moment, she understood. Happiness wasn’t something to be acquired; it was already there, within her, waiting to be nurtured. It was in the warmth of the sun on her skin, the smell of freshly cut grass, the simple act of being present.
The next day, Amelia began to research remote properties and sustainable living. It wouldn’t be easy, she knew. There would be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But the image of that peaceful cabin, the promise of a life lived in accordance with her values, was a powerful motivator. She was tired of chasing illusions. It was time to chase her dream. It was time to come home to herself.
Coffee & a Playlist 