I used to always look down on my more rural family members who still homesteaded, and did things like make their own soap, floor tiles, ceramic pottery, had their own garden and made their own medicine. I don't know why I did. I guess maybe because I drank the koolaid that cities were better and modernized living standards were the best we could get. God damn was I wrong though. I work 8-12 hours at a soul crushing job, coming home sleeping, occasionally making my own food and not even having time for socialization or hobbies. I didn't really enjoy anything anymore, and everything felt empty. I eventually got kicked out of my apartment due to the landlord hiking up prices post covid and being unable to pay without dipping into my meager savings.

I moved back in with my more rural family members who took pity on me, and let me stay in their guest house they built and milled the timber for themselves. It is honest to god heaven out here. I picked up so many skills and its beyond beautiful. My aunt has a very beautiful garden and flowers like fox glove, merigold and other medicinal flowers everywhere. I got into fermenting due to my uncle showing me what to do to make ginger beer, I can make jams and jellies or preserve any food I want. I go hunting and spend much more time outside away from the screen.
Maybe its all the sunlight and getting away from the drab city scenery but life feels 10x brighter than what it used to be. I enjoy everything I do, even if it is literal back breaking labor. I can't go back and I don't want to either. Should I beg them to let me stay and learn how to build my own house?