making drastic changes in life

[shootingstar]

Where I live now is 1,000 metres above sea level, but one doesn't know it while in prairie land. The difference is that my partner tells me that after spending over a month or longer in our area, he cycles better on hills in Vancouver area which the downtown area is at sea level. Your lung capacity is expanded in our area.

The skies are brighter in blueness and we do get many more days /hrs. of sunshine compared to other areas. Long time locals love the sunnier skies and tell me, that's what they don't like about Vancouver BC...more rain/grey at certain times of years, etc. I am not affected by SAD compared to others..IF I live in a city with a range of different things to see and do. I could not live in Pacific Northwest rainy seasons in the rural areas.

As for cycling in the prairies: the hardest part is a lot less tree wilderness and trees. It IS a big deal..for a woman touring cyclist needing to go to the washroom. At times there is no bush or rock, stand of trees to hide. The winds with no natural windbreak at times, can be difficult. I know some local cyclists at work, who are decent cyclists, just choose not to cycle commute to work on days when wind kicks up over 40 kmph through natural grassland prairie parks. And we have some long linear local parks like this.

I've always enjoyed living within view of large water body from home, or at least cycling a few kms. from home, to a large body of water. Where I live now I am near a major river and actually am fortunate to have view of also river parkland with natural mature trees, etc. It's a big deal in a prairie city. It does mean something to my soul to see leafy tree cover and also changing fall colours.

However, I know after camping and travelling in rural areas, wilderness that's great for travel but for myself not living long-term. Nature inspires me for creating art, what I write and cycling in areas surrounded by nature, is motivating. But I don't feel comfortable to isolate myself by living in rural area. I've spent vacation time in homes of a few friends who each live in a tiny town of 2,000 or less people. It's ok...I guess. But not for me. A lot of driving for them to daily shopping and chores.

I don't drive and hence, living in rural areas makes no sense for me. There's a time in one's life to live in rural isolated areas for a few decades...not when you become more weak/less mobile. I am not convinced that friends and family will be around to help at the right time, because they have their own schedules and lives also. Right now, except for my partner, I have no family living in the province where I am. They are 3,800 km. east of me. Canada (and US) are frickin' huge countries.

I believe it helps that a person knows who they are, their identity or what shaped their earlier years in life which propels them to select the best values and adopt other improved values/ways of living. It helps later in life when you end up living in areas very far from where you were born/raised.

For myself, it's living in a place that's clean, safe and close to amenities plus a diverse range of cultural activities and opportunities to learn via lectures, courses and some shared interests. Yes, I do value Canada's health care system. It's not perfect but whole lot better than some other places. And one is better off living in a major Canadian city to have local access to health facilities and specialists. It's mind boggling to hear of other Canadians spending their own money (not covered by public health insurance) to travel several hundred or over 1,000 kms. to a big city for specialized health care, etc. (and also find local accommodation etc.).

I also prefer to live in multi-generational neighbourhoods. By coincidence, I live in a neighbourhood that has less children at this time. (Have seen the census for our area.) Not in a retirement community until I become unable to live independently.

My parents have an ideal situation (my father died nearly 2 yrs. ago), they bought and live in an newish infill house in mid-town Toronto over 18 yrs. ago. It is across the street from an elementary public school. The house is on quiet street which coincidentally had bike lanes installed just 4 yrs. ago. Is a 15 min. walk from 2 different frequent bus lines to subway. 2 blocks from major grocery store etc. There is a community garden just 1/2 a block away. It was created over 5 yrs. ago. My parents really wouldn't have known all this new amentities. They simply needed a home that fit their budget, close to transit (for non-drivers), some shopping and not in the suburbs. They made a very wise lifestyle and for my mother, a wise financial investment.