How Stardew Valley changed my life.

[Seba]

Probably not the greatest story ever, but I wanted to share it with the community. And if it is useful to someone, even better :)

I'm 27. I'm a history teacher. I lived all my life in the big city. A large metrolopolis of buidings over buildings surrounded of even more buildings. I teached for over three years on this very same city. My life was ok, it's not like I didn't enjoy it. Thankfuly I got to make good friends and my family was always there.

But there was always something that didn't feel quite right. I guess it was, maybe, a combination of various factors. Virtually no green, or trees around. No nature, basically. Too many cars, too many people (in a rush for everything, of course). Zero comunity spirit, too much violence and histerya. Convoluted streets, crime, litter everywhere. Well, your typical big city.

Somewhere inside me I knew I wasn't made for this.

I always envied (I guess that's the word) those who lived near nature. I made an extremely close friend playing World of Warcraft. He is from a small coastal town around 500 miles from my city. He used to send me pictures of the beach, of the woods nearby. And always encouraged me to... just go teach there.

But I never got the nerve to do such a thing. I mean, leave my city to build a new life so far away?

Everything changed a few months ago, because of a video game. The opening sequence in Stardew Valley was the incentive I needed. It really got me thinking.

“If you're reading this, you must be in dire need of a change. The same thing happened to me, long ago. I'd lost sight of what mattered most in life... real connections with other people and nature. So I dropped everything and moved to the place I truly belong.”

Just wow.

Now, six months after purchasing the game, I'm living in a small coastal town. I live ten blocks away from one of the most beautiful beaches in my country.There are trees and just plain land everywhere. The people are simply the most chill and down to earth bunch I've met in a while. Kids that truly appreciate your efforts in the classroom.
And everyone is extremely environmentally friendly. They really take care of the place they live on.

I now know I'm were I'm supposed to be. I plan on spending one month and a half every year with my family during the summer vacations (in my country this period includes Christmas and New Year's Eve). Then going back to my home.

And just keep it that way :)

Thank you so much Eric for this game. Its message is pure gold. And turned out to be exactly what I needed to find my own way in life.

[Vroomi]

Neat.

[BlobbyChez]

Wow nice, what are the chances?! I bet this is way more impact then Eric expected to come from his game and I'm sure he's super happy it helped you out. I'm glad you're finally super happy!

[乌龙茶]

glad you found your dream life!

[ErickaUnlimited]

Lovely story. :3

[Cakeeater]

impressive the affects of games. Good for you :)

[Its All Zen]

There's a neat little community out around Nova Scotia I read about where they offer land to anyone willing to move and work at the local... 'farmer's market' I guess you'd call it? I dunno how legit it is I read about it awhile back and thought how cool would that be. Stardew Valley/Harvest Moon in real life. The pictures of the landscape were just beautiful and if I was single I would likely have been all over it to be honest. You aren't farming but at least you're doing something you like and are appreciated for it. Good for you.

[Nubz_Unite]

Originally posted by platinumwyrm11:

There's a neat little community out around Nova Scotia I read about where they offer land to anyone willing to move and work at the local... 'farmer's market' I guess you'd call it? I dunno how legit it is I read about it awhile back and thought how cool would that be. Stardew Valley/Harvest Moon in real life. The pictures of the landscape were just beautiful and if I was single I would likely have been all over it to be honest. You aren't farming but at least you're doing something you like and are appreciated for it. Good for you.

The down side is you have to deal with the sterotypical canadian accent

[Arwen Selora]

Wow, that's awesome! Good for you :D

[Chief_Pilos_Lipsknecte]

Wow. :)

[chris]

Just wow. I'm 28 and live in capital with one of the worst traffic in the world.
Building, cars, crowded people that always seems in hurry, polution, and same routine everyday, work, play, sleep.

Maybe someday I will find a courage to move and start over like you. Definitely not soon though.

Anyway, great story and I'm happy for you!

[Atech66]

I live in the country.. 100 yards from a beach and have 30 acres of woods out back..
I was complaining today about the moles in my yard.. after reading your story I am thinking moles are a pretty good problem to have.. Critter appreciation +1 Nice story :)

[An actual fox]

I really enjoyed your story. +1

[PC RPGer]

I need to do this. I'm seriously getting tired of living in the concrete jungle, and everytime I go out to the country I can feel my blood pressure drop. I work remotely so could technically work anywhere with reliable high speed Internet. But alas, the country doesn't have this. :(
I could at least try the outer suburbs near a national park. Hmm...

[Regrettable Acts in 1 Step]

You should write a book tbh, capitalize on the changes you've made and maybe make others feel the same way.

[Seba]

Thanks everyone, I'm so glad you enjoyed my experience and took your time to respond.
Indeed, it is pretty amazing how in some cases we are the ones stopping things from becoming a reality.