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Why do we long for change (without letting everything go)?

It can sometimes feel as if real change only counts when you do something drastic: quit your job, move abroad, start from scratch. But what if you sense that something needs to shift, while not being sure you actually want to start all over again? We know that feeling all too well — and it turned out to be the beginning of a different rhythm.

Choosing a different rhythm

We had a good life. Meaningful work, a warm home, wonderful friends. And yet something kept tugging. As if life was whispering, “Keep going like this and the calm will come… eventually.” But what if “eventually” is simply too late?

We didn’t begin with a dramatic break, but with a conversation. About how we wanted to live. Which rhythm suited us. What we truly valued — not on paper, but in the reality of everyday life. And slowly, space appeared: fewer assignments, more aimless walks, and the realisation that calm isn’t the end point, but the beginning.

Changing without breaking

In that first phase, we bought a casa rural in Andalusia — a place with history, stillness and promise. At the same time, our life in the Netherlands continued to run. We didn’t step out of it; we stepped alongside it. We kept working, we travelled back and forth, and we built something new without tearing down the old. Not everything has to happen at once. You’re allowed to simply turn the volume down.

Why we’re writing this down

Over the past years, we’ve mainly learned about choosing. About listening to what feels right — even when it’s scary. And about the art of slowing down without grinding to a halt. That’s why we’re working on an e-book. Not a manual, but a story: about doubt and trust, and about finding movement without dismantling your life.

And now?

Our cortijo isn’t open yet, but the longing is already here. And perhaps that’s the most important step. Sometimes a different life doesn’t begin with a big decision, but with a different conversation. A small step back. A day of walking. An empty weekend. Or a story that touches something inside you.

Have you ever felt it too — that something needed to change, even though you didn’t know exactly what? Tell me. I’d love to listen. Curious about our e-book? Send me a message and I’ll keep you posted.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How do you “start again” without giving everything up?
Begin small: choose one rhythm shift (for instance free mornings, fewer work commitments, walking more often). Build something alongside your current life rather than cutting into it.

What do you mean by “step alongside it, not out of it”?
You keep what works (your home, work, connections) and explore a new direction in parallel. That way you can test what feels right without unnecessary disruption.

Will there be an e-book?
Yes! We’re writing a story-driven e-book about choosing, trusting and slowing down — not a how-to, but recognition and practical anchors.

You don’t need a dramatic break to create change. By building a different rhythm alongside the life you already have, you can move gently towards what feels right — just as we’re doing with Cortijo La Vista.

✨ Thank you for reading this far — it truly means a lot.
If you’d like to read more, a ♡ or free subscription is always welcome.
Hasta luego from Andalusia,
Daniëlle | Cortijo La Vista