Chapter 1: Nostalgia for Simpler Times

During my childhood summers, I spent idyllic days at my grandmother's house nestled in the Appalachian foothills. The location was near a quaint little town that felt like it belonged to a different era—one without the presence of big-box stores or fast-food chains.

We, the children, would frolic outdoors, exploring the woods, swimming, constructing forts, and even chasing chickens. Meanwhile, the adults would relax on the porch, sipping coffee or enjoying card games. Evenings were filled with cooking together, whether we were preparing beloved family recipes or trying something new, always finishing with a dessert.

Those moments are what I long to reclaim.

Unfortunately, that charming little town has transformed into a bustling small city overnight, thanks to a feature in a magazine. The woods I cherished have been replaced by sprawling McMansions with perfectly manicured lawns. While I can still visit the house, the essence of those joyful days is forever lost.

Chapter 2: The Disconnect of Modern Living

Modern life often feels fundamentally flawed, doesn’t it?

I’m not advocating for a return to a bygone era; I appreciate the freedom to pursue my career and enjoy contemporary conveniences. I certainly wouldn’t want to forgo the benefits of online shopping!

However, there’s a pervasive sense of fatigue, anxiety, and burnout that seems to envelop everyone. People now gravitate toward their screens during leisure time, and children are often glued to their devices, likely influenced by their parents’ habits.

Gone are the days when we could spend an entire afternoon enjoying a leisurely card game together. I yearn for a return to those languid summer days.

Ironically, my constant screen time is driven by the need to sustain my lifestyle—working my primary job to pay bills and juggling multiple side gigs in the hopes of escaping the relentless rat race.

I don’t desire a lavish mansion; I crave a peaceful, slow existence in nature. Unfortunately, achieving such a lifestyle now seems to require wealth, leading me to toil endlessly online.

Isn’t it paradoxical? Working tirelessly just to attain a slower pace of life?

Chapter 3: The Dilemma of Pursuing Freedom

This situation evokes the age-old tale of the businessman and the fisherman. Can I simply choose that life now? While I don’t dislike the concept, its moral seems simplistic and overused.

Cabins in serene locations come with hefty price tags, and opportunities for homesteading are scarce. If I were to quit my job and stop making payments, creditors would surely come knocking at my door.

Society dictates that we labor for over 40 years, only to rest when we are old and weary.

I refuse to accept that.

I am determined to break free. There must be a path to liberation, and I am committed to discovering it.