CA in NC, last year I quit my corporate job. The year before, I left my marriage.

I have never been happier. Both those things were terrifying, but once I knew what I needed to do, it was clear and bright and amazingly uncluttered. I also dropped 20 lbs and my skin cleared up and my sciatica went away (with the help of pilates and stretching--which I have time to do now).

I've gotten really into birding and identifying birds by their songs. My partner recently asked me about this, if I had always been into birding. In talking with him about it, I realized that I had been interested in birds since I was a child, but for the first time, I am taking the time and the space to watch and listen.

I am making less money, but I'm also living in a lower-priced city (there's only 100 miles between DC and Richmond, but the cost of living something like 60% lower). I work from home doing something I find very rewarding. I have time to ride my bike, kayak, and read a book. It's amazing. It shouldn't be amazing, it should be like this.

(EDIT: I do support my mother-I own and pay for her house. She pays me rent, but it's not as much as the mortgage. I know how stressful taking care of a parent can be)