Is it worth the daydreams? (for sale, new home, closing)

[MsJL]

Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions!

I've been following this saga for awhile now, and I see the friction to be resulting because it is a clash between extreme pessimism and extreme optimism. The feather-ruffler and the feather-rufflees are all in need of a truer sense of reality!

It is not right to give the impression that Maine is a place to where people can flee and leave behind all the problems of life. LOL! Some folks are planning to move cross-country, seemingly thinking that way, and it just is not so.

I hope that this encounter with Let's Tell The Truth will bring about some inner reflection. There is a middle of the road, folks!


That's from another thread.

First, I don't see where anyone is moving out to Maine with the belief that they will leave behind all of life's issues. I haven't seen anyone giving that "impression". We're just sharing our truths about our lives here, with people who desire a similar existence.

If anything, the people I've read here are doing some very thorough research - even visiting several areas (some more than once), and planning things out very carefully. And not with an eye toward approaching Nirvana: With the desire and the dream of finally dealing with real life again, which in my opinion is what other places lack. Real life is about things and experiences other than what urbanized areas have become, and that's what so many of us wanted/want. To live real life again.

I had that dream, and it came true. In all honesty, Maine is even more wonderful than I had hoped it would be. I don't know if I would have moved my life here, had I read too much negativity here and other places - but then again, that's just me.

But the thing I wonder the most about, just in a purely philosophical sense, is: Is there anything really so inherently wrong with dreaming of a better place? Or a better life? Granted, a dream that's based on what cannot be is an exercise in futility, and sometimes overtly destructive; however, that is not the case in Maine. This place will not be the right place for everyone, but it's definitely what so many of us here talk about, and celebrate. We represent it as we live it, meaning those who share our perspectives on life will probably have the same experiences.

It does take a certain type of mindset, and a very specific (and long-lost) dream, to live in a place like Maine. For those who "fit", for lack of a better word, I hope they dream about being here right up to the day they cross the border to begin their new lives. I hope they stop for lunch in York, and breathe in some ocean air, and make a point to all the locals that they've finally made it home.

Ah, I've gone on too long. In closing, what good is getting up in the morning, without a dream? I don't agree, that all things have a middle-of-the-road place. Some dreams should be full-tilt plans.

Thanks for listening.

[moughie]

Glad you are happy and fulfilled your dream!!

[mollysmiles]

For me, my life is at a point where I'm the happiest I have ever been. I've worked to get here, and it hasn't always been easy, but it certainly was worth the time and the work. I think that for me to be able to look at the brighter side of things has helped me get to where I am in my life. If others see that as sugar coating, then so be it. From experience, I can say that you get a lot further on a positive attitude than a negative one. That doesn't mean that I ignore the things in life that are necessary--taxes, bills, debt, housing, etc--it means that I manage them differently. They don't consume me, and I don't complain. It takes focus to complain, and that's not where I want to focus. It also doesn't mean that I don't see things in my community or state that could be improved. I speak up, I get involved, and I work toward a better end. I do this at work and in my personal life. Once I reach a goal, I make another one. Sometimes they're really tough (Master's Degree), sometimes they're not (go to the gym!)...but in the end, it always comes down to how hard you work and what your attitude is while you're working.

I hope the attitude of this Maine forum does not change. I like the ease with which we usually talk, and the fun behind it. The disagreeing doesn't bother me at all....but anger and ranting do. I tend to be really pressed for time, so for me, when I stop having fun on here, it will be time to move on.

MsJL, nice thread....I think a lot of good can come from this!

[mainewannabe]

I've only visited Maine once. Twice. On the way up to and on the way back from Canada.

When I sat down in Acadia Park against a certain 9 gazillion year old tree and gazed out at all there is ... why, it's the most comfortable place I've ever sat in my life. Ever. And I've been to some beautiful places.

It's been four years and I've never once forgotten that. Maine seems so far away for us --- but every now and then I'd find my fingers googling for this and that -- finding good businesses for sale in Maine, beautiful homes ...

I've questioned and questioned and in fact, today, I have another question(s).

We don't expect things to be perfect. Less of the imperfect is what we're after.

What the first poster said.

[mainewannabe]

I tried to edit my post and it doesn't look like it happened correctly. I did add a bit more but oh well it got lost.

[msina]

Molly I think we have a lot in common. I tend to be an optimist and look for the good in situations. I don't like being crowded and actually enjoy time alone. I'm a home body but appreciate being treated politely. I gotta say people on this board have been helpful and kind, thank you all.

[MsJL]

I love reading about how others find their way here. I remember, when it first occurred to me that I could pick a place to start a new life, that I was nervous about even considering Maine. You all know the folklore, the stories about unwelcoming native Mainers, the cost to live here, and the hideous winters, etc. It was all just a bunch of stories.

I'll always remember crossing the border into Maine, on the day I came here for good. I felt so proud, that this would be the place I call "home" for the rest of my life. I love everything about it, and especially the people.

[Bugala]

Right on MsJL. I am looking at places to move myself...doing my homework...not trying to escape problems. I know that lifes problems, issues, baggage, whatever you want to call it...I like to think of it as teachers, don't get left behind. I just want to live in a space that speaks to me. I will continue to work on being conscious and to live authentically no matter where I find myself geographically...When I find that place that speaks to me...that resonates with who I am and what I hold to be important...then I will move there. In the mean time...I will continue to explore and unwrap all of the possibilities that present themselves. Thoughts "dreams" create realities. Dreaming with intention makes life a beautiful adventure. I love Maine and it is on my short list. I appreciated your blog....thank you for the positive vibe.

[mollysmiles]

mainewannabe, you may think you forgot something in your post but I think it's perfect the way it is now

msina I think you're right...we do have a lot in common!

MsJL....I can almost hear you sigh

and Bugala, best wishes on finding a place that feels like home. Nice post!

[Elcarim]

Ok, I guess I'm gonna be crying the first 5 years we're in Maine! So many heart-felt sentiments on this thread. Maine is the only place I've ever been that actually "spoke" to me, so I can completely relate to that desire. When I close my eyes and think of Maine (which I do daily!) I can actually hear the waves rolling into the rocks and hear the seagulls screaming. I can think of a cold winter day, and hear the gusts of wind blowing the snow in swirls around my feet. There have been times I got goosebumps during the experience.

I feel like I'm just waiting to start my life, and my life will begin when we cross that big bridge into our new home state. When you are missing something that is so much part of who you are on a completely spiritual level, it's impossible to be content until that emptiness is filled. I've searched all my life for "that feeling" in a place. I've finally found it. All the things I've always dreamed of doing and experiencing are part of daily life in Maine.

And the people are just a fringe benefit that we weren't even expecting! How pleasantly surprised we were at the kindness and generosity of the people of Maine. We will be SO proud to be among you. I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating again and again. We were absolutely blown away by how genuinely kind the people were on our visit. We took longer than expected on every stop, whether it was at a store, restaurant, service station, etc. just because everyone we encountered started a conversation with us. It was so different than we're used to. Finally, people you can smile at who will actually smile back!

I understand fully that Maine is not perfect, nor do I want it to be. I want Maine and the people of Maine just to be real, genuine, personal, opinionated, passionate, contrary, and to become our dearest friends and share in our lives as we all learn and grow together.

Utopia is non-existent, so we all just must look deep within to find our own personal "place", and whether or not others agree with our opinion of just where that place is - completely irrelevant. It just has to be perfect for me!