Are you coming with me, crazy?

For years I have wondered:

”What if I didn’t live in Washington, DC? Would I still be as driven, motivated, and obsessed with work? Are big cities a little bit addictive for people like me?”

I’ve wondered about this a lot.

I’ve watched closely as friends have moved to quieter towns. I’ve even asked them about it. Most of them have smiled at me—as though they were in on a secret that I wasn’t ready for. No answer though. Perhaps they didn’t want to offend me?

Our family has considered moves before. To smaller, quieter and, dare I say, cheaper, cities.

But each time, I’ve concluded that no, it’s not for me.

I have my family here. My friends. My network. My company. But mostly, I like it here. I feel among my people.

So I’ve wondered, if I leave DC, would I bring my crazy with me?

• Would I feel trapped and antsy in a small town?
• Would the slower pace make me irritated and angry?
• Would I feel like I’m missing out?

I don’t know.

I’m eager to find out. Because we’re doing it. We’re moving to a smaller, quieter town. And it’s not just a puddle jump away—it’s halfway around the world, in New Zealand.

We’re going. But I’m a little scared, too.

I’m scared that perhaps I won’t bring my crazy and, when I return, I won’t like the DC version of me anymore.

Or perhaps I’ll look at the way we’re all living and think it’s insane, and I won’t want any part of it anymore. I’m not sure.

But mostly, I’m scared that my crazy will just join me in New Zealand and I won’t be able to slow down, not even in a tiny town on the edge of the world.