Stay Grounded and Rooted!

Northern Michigan

Ever since I moved back to Michigan, I have been thankful that I moved up north near the water rather than to southeast Michigan, where I am from. Here, it is so grounding for me. I love the water and hearing the animals and birds chirping in the morning. I love hearing the church bells ring and the train passing through at night.

For the first time since I have been back, I stayed downstate for a week. I was so drained of all the noise, traffic, and people. I could not wait to get back home. However, even though I enjoyed the time that I got to spend to myself. I was overstimulated and ready for a slower pace again. As I drove home, I realized I was no longer a city girl. I was most definitely a country girl who needed nature, water, and a slower-paced life.

Who would have thought, honestly? When I was a child, I loved visiting up north, but as I got older. I wasn't a fan anymore because I received horrible service, and it was like being off the grid. Of course, that isn't ideal for a teenager who needs to stay connected. I also hated that everything was slow. Once I became a young adult, there were still no real bars, clubs, or action beyond bomb fires and going to the beach.

Northern Michigan

Now, look at me. I am living exactly where I thought my grandparents were crazy for moving. Go figure. I can say that it was the best decision I've ever made. I love it. I wish I could have found what I wanted with more acreage, but for right now, I am happy with my first home purchase. For me, Michigan is karmic and foundational, and it has helped me build resilience and structure with lessons in vulnerability and balance.

Everything I learned and gained from my time in Southeast Michigan prepared me for my move to Florida. There, I discovered reflection, awakening, and loss, but I also achieved deep spiritual insight and soul detachment from old wounds. So, moving back felt like a return to self-nurturing but with more peace, considering the distance from southeast Michigan. Northern Michigan supports my healing, solitude, emotional growth, and spiritual recentering.

The moral of the story is that sometimes, the very places we once ran from are the ones our souls were always leading us back to. What I once saw as boring and isolating, I now see as peaceful and restorative. Life has a gentle way of guiding us home—not just physically, but spiritually. It's important to live where you find peace and pay attention to where your soul pulls you. That's where your roots deepen, your healing begins, and your true self has room to breathe. Up north isn't just where I live—it's where I've finally become grounded and rooted.

Could you see yourself living outside of the city?

• Yes!
• No!

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