The pursuit of personal happiness is a fundamental aspect of human existence. Throughout history, philosophers, psychologists, and individuals alike have contemplated the factors that contribute to personal happiness. Here at choosewheretolive.com one factor that often comes into question is the influence of our physical surroundings. Does your personal happiness depend on where you live? In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between location and personal happiness. Delving into various aspects that can shape your well-being. We’ll also offer insights into finding contentment when it comes to where you choose to live.

The Impact of External Factors on your Personal Happiness:

It is undeniable that external factors can influence your happiness to some extent. Factors such as climate, economic stability, access to healthcare, and quality of infrastructure contribute to your overall well-being. Studies have shown that individuals living in regions with stable economies, good governance, and favorable climates tend to report higher levels of life satisfaction. These factors play a role in providing a baseline level of comfort and security. All of which can positively impact your overall personal happiness.

Let’s take Lisa for example.

Lisa, a 35 year old woman had been living in the bustling city of Chicago for most of her life. She spent most of her days going from event to event. Happy hours with coworkers, bingers with friends, you name it, Lisa was there. But deep down, she always felt like something was missing. She had a decent job, a nice apartment, and a circle of friends. But there was this nagging sense of unhappiness that just wouldn’t go away.

Sound familiar? 

Subjective Perception of Happiness:

Lisa always knew that she wanted a slower pace of life. The city was becoming too much for her. It was difficult for her to imagine raising children in a two bedroom apartment and no yard. 

She sat down one day and made a list of all of the things that were important to her in the next five years. Things like finding a spouse, getting pregnant, and starting a community garden. None of which she could do from her walk up in Chicago. It terrified her to think that she might meet the love of her life in a city that she didn’t want to end up in. 

Chicago had been so good to her and she loved every minute that she had there. But her location was no longer aligned to her values nor contributing to her personal happiness. 

One day, Lisa decided to take a break from the city grind and go on a road trip. She packed her car with snacks, hit the open road, and let the wind guide her to new adventures. Little did she know that this road trip would change her life forever.

As Lisa drove through different towns and cities, she stumbled upon a charming little coastal town. It was like something out of a postcard – sandy beaches, colorful beach houses, and a laid-back vibe that instantly put a smile on her face. Intrigued, she decided to stick around for a while and see if this change of scenery could do her some good.

Lisa was beginning to realize that external factors may set the stage. But her perception and subjective experiences ultimately shapes her happiness. Research has shown that our adaptation levels and personal expectations significantly influence how we perceive our circumstances. A person living in a bustling city may find excitement and fulfillment in the fast-paced lifestyle. While others may feel overwhelmed and crave the tranquility of a rural setting. It is your unique preferences, values, and priorities that ultimately determine how your environment affects your well-being.

Alignment of Values and Lifestyle in reference to Personal Happiness:

Within days of settling in, Lisa felt a shift in her mood. The constant rush and noise of the city were replaced by the sound of crashing waves and seagulls. She started her mornings with leisurely walks on the beach, and sipping her coffee while watching the sunrise. It was a far cry from the chaotic mornings she had back in the city. There was no rushing to catch the subway and battling traffic.

One crucial aspect of finding happiness in your living environment is aligning it with your values and desired lifestyle. The values we hold dear, such as a sense of community, access to nature, cultural diversity, or work-life balance, should be considered when choosing where to live. When your surroundings align with your values, it creates a sense of harmony and fulfillment. For Lisa, nature and outdoor activities brought her joy. So it made sense that residing in an area with abundant natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities made her happy.

Where we live can influence the availability and strength of our social connections:

But it wasn’t just the peaceful surroundings that made Lisa happier; it was the people she met. The locals in the coastal town were warm, friendly, and always had a smile on their faces. She quickly made new friends who shared her love for the simple joys in life – bonfires on the beach, impromptu picnics, and watching the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. Could this be the place she finds her future husband?

We are social creatures, and the quality of your relationships plays a pivotal role in your personal well-being. Living in close proximity to family, friends, or like-minded individuals can provide a support system. It can also foster a sense of belonging, and contribute to your overall happiness. Residing in a community that shares similar interests and values can offer opportunities for meaningful interactions. A sense of communal identity is crucial when it comes to where you choose to live.

The Impact of Work-Life Balance:

As weeks turned into months, Lisa realized that the coastal town was more than just a temporary escape. It had become her home. The slower pace of life allowed her to reconnect with herself and rediscover the things that truly made her happy. She found joy in gardening, spending time in nature, and engaging in creative pursuits. These were things she had long forgotten in the hustle and bustle of city work-life.

She learned that the relationship between work and personal life significantly affects your happiness. The demands of work and the ability to find a healthy balance between professional and personal commitments can greatly influence our personal happiness. Some locations may offer more flexible working arrangements, shorter commutes, or a cultural emphasis on leisure time. Thereby providing a conducive environment for achieving work-life balance. Lisa was starting to see that alinging her living environment with her desired work-life balance could significantly enhance her overall personal happines.

Word spread about Lisa’s transformation. Her friends from the city couldn’t help but notice the newfound glow in her eyes. Intrigued, some of them decided to visit her in her new coastal haven. They were blown away by the beautiful scenery. The genuine happiness in the air, and the sense of community that enveloped the town also caught their attention. It was clear to them that this is exactly where Lisa needed to be.

Finding Personal Happiness Wherever You Are:

We here at choosewheretolive.com understand that not everyone can just uproot themselves and move to a location better suited for them. Therefore, it is important to recognize that your personal happiness does not solely depend on external circumstances. There are ways to find personal happiness where you live but you have to be open to it. 

Cultivating a positive attitude, seeking out opportunities for personal and professional growth, and actively engaging with your surroundings can enhance your well-being, even in less than ideal environments. If this is you and you are struggling to figure out how to do that, let our founder Brit help. 

She has crafted a proven strategy to help you determine how to love where you live. It all starts with aligning your location to your values. 

Happiness is a deeply personal and multifaceted concept, and it manifests differently for each individual. While external factors and location can influence our personal happiness to some extent, our perception, values, relationships, and mindset ultimately shape our well-being. 

Personal Happiness starts with YOU

Lisa’s journey taught her a valuable lesson. Personal happiness isn’t just about the things we have or the achievements we accumulate. It’s about finding a place that resonates with our soul. One where we can live authentically and surround ourselves with people who lift us up. For Lisa, that place was the coastal town that had captured her heart.

Sometimes, personal happiness depends on where we live. It’s about finding a place that aligns with our values. Allows us to slow down. Appreciate life’s simple pleasures. And surrounds us with a supportive community. 

If you have a little bit of Lisa inside of you and are waiting to discover your own happy place, let us help you align your values to a location that you are excited to call home. 

Visit choosewheretolive.com and sign up for a consultation with our founder, Brit if you would like to learn how to align your values to where you live now or where you will live in the future.