Update: The winners have been chosen! If you didn’t win, you can purchase a copy of And I Shall Have Some Peace There: Trading in the Fast Lane for My Own Dirt Road on Amazon.
I recently received a copy of Margaret Roach’sbook And I Shall Have Some Peace There.
I was not previously familiar with Margaret’s wildly popular garden blog, A Way to Garden, but I was fascinated to learn about her transition from editorial director of Martha Stewart Omnimedia to full-time gardener at her country house in upstate New York.
I know a lot of people who fantasize about giving up monetary success to create success on their own terms, so I was grateful to learn a little from Margaret’s experience.
Though I am only about half-way through Margaret’s book—and really enjoying it!—I decided to ask her a few questions that may be helpful to anyone who is considering a major life change.
1. When you decided to leave your job, did you feel you knew for certain that this was the right choice for you?
Getting to a certain age helps with “certainty,” if there is such a thing in any action we ponder or take. Finally, when I approached my 50s, I knew that I would simply dry up and blow away if I didn’t bolt.
And I knew that I was getting too old to pretend that forever and ever lies ahead; carpe diem.
I don’t think I was certain at all what life here would be like. I don’t think we can really accurately forecast what lies across any threshold. But I knew that life back there—the urban static, the disconnection from outdoors and its creatures, the rhythm dictated by a back-to-back meetings and not my internal pulse—was too brutal.
For all of my adult life, I felt as if I was the spirit of a hippie-chick back-to-the-lander trapped inside the body and skyscraper existence of a corporate executive.
I had effectively squelched that person who wanted to live close to nature—allowing her only weekend passes into the garden, little teases like the garden was her long-distance lover, and then snatching it away every Sunday night.
I finally let the other aspect of Margaret have the car keys, if you know what I mean. And she drove like hell, to the woods.
2. Did you have any nagging fears that may have stopped you from taking action—and if so, how did you get past them?
All of my fears just before and after moving were of the practical sort: How would I support myself, as I wasn’t old enough to retire? (If any of us can ever retire with current economic factors!) How would I find health insurance?
Solutions: I have become a master barterer, taken a chainsaw to my former budget, have several part-time jobs in addition to book-writing, and (hallelujah!) joined the chamber of commerce, which affords me access to insurance.
Once I got here, I realized that the rural environment presented new fears, or maybe it actually repackaged old fears that, when faced full-time, suddenly seemed vastly bigger than they had in my years as a weekender.
There was no escape now; I couldn’t get in the car and drive away from an inconvenient problem, which the country has a way of delivering to your doorstep a lot.
Like lightning. Prolonged power outages. Rattlesnakes (yes, I share the land with them). Winter (particularly on a steep, icy hillside). Ladders. (I know, that sounds stupid; but if you live alone in Nowheresville and climb one and fall off, who will come?)
I had to reckon with all of these—some by just going through them (practice makes perfect!); some by equipping myself better (sharp cleats for my boots in winter, so I can walk on ice); and some by surrendering and accepting my powerlessness (like in power outages).
And of course I quickly ran smack into the scariest one of all once I settled in: Who am I if I am not mroach@marthastewart [dot] com anymore? Where will I gain my identity; how will I feel like “somebody” in this world of credentials? For so long I took esteem from my “success” in career.
What I know so far on that score: Being a writer and a gardener is a good start toward a new bio I can live with.
3. Do you feel like you’ve been happier since you embraced a simpler life?
It would be hard to describe the joy I get out of looking out the window, even in the dead of winter. I feel as if a nonstop play is being performed just for me.
Of course it was all going on all those years I was absent—birds and frogs and other animals and plants and the weather all doing their intimate, interconnected things—but I missed most of it.
Another sign of my greater happiness, I think, is that my level of self-care is so much higher, a priority now, not an afterthought. I cook three meals a day. A friend used to say I was one frozen organic entrée away from a nervous breakdown—never time for cooking (which I love, especially with things from the garden).
I work a lot, but I work when I want and sleep when tired and eat when hungry. This seems like a very basic formula for how to feel better, but so often we don’t follow any of those cues, do we?
4. What are the three most important things you learned from your experience working for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia?
Martha’s motto, “Learn something new every day,” remains a mantra, indoors and out.
Funny as this might sound, I run my tiny, one-woman-band business, Margaret Roach Inc., and my garden blog according to the same principles we used at MSLO. I stay focused on what my “brand” is (to thine own self be true, right?); I do an email newsletter, using the skills I learned there; I use all available data to analyze how I am doing, as I was taught by my mentors at my old job.
And of course there is this, a lesson first taught to me by my Grandma Marion, who studied domestic arts in college, a lesson reiterated by Martha: Nest. Your home is the center of your life, so make sure it suits you, whatever that means.
5. What are the three most important things you learned since you left?
I left my old life partly to have more solitude, in the hope of rekindling my writing voice. But I never imagined how much solitude I would really crave, and need.
We tell agitated, stressed-out kids to take a “time out,” or go to their rooms and read a book on their own. We never give ourselves time-outs.
I learned that I am a cat person, or at least a Jack person, since giving in to Jack the Demon Cat, the semi-wild big tuxedo type who adopted me here. I never really had my own pet before.
And I learned that “dropping out” as I did, leaving the fast lane or whatever, is really more of a dropping in, and has proven very meditative and contemplative in a way I hadn’t experienced.
6. What do you hope readers take away from this book?
Don’t stay too long at the fair (to use an expression from a vintage Bonnie Raitt song), that says:
Won’t you come and take me home
I’ve been too long at the fair
And Lord, I can’t stand it anymore.
That if you hear yourself saying, “I don’t have time for _____” a lot, and it’s the same thing over and again, something you actually long for, it’s time to make time.
As a culture we watch TV and use the internet many hours a week—we “found” time for that. Not every heart’s desire requires a drastic geographic shift like mine did; sometimes it’s just making time for a little more of something beloved.
Very simply: If the joy has gone out of an aspect of living, find a way to put the joy back in. Don’t defer!
7. What advice would you offer to anyone who is ready to take a major leap of faith?
Do the obvious and old-fashioned thing of making a list, a pro and con chart, and then make it over and over again, till you’re really honest—or better yet, pin it up where you have to look at it every single day for a long time.
My list was called “Tolerances,” as in what can I tolerate how much of for how long. In hindsight, I think making a list called “Attachments” would be smart, to try to look at what hooks us in to where we feel stuck.
If/when you feel “sure,” as much as that is ever possible, then sit down and try to make a budget or timeline or business plan (depends what you are cooking up) for your dream.
Apply practical techniques and see if it still flies. This is especially important if you are going to be risking things not easily replaced.
Don’t expect to feel safe and sound the minute you start your new thing. Don’t even expect to know what you will do when you step across the threshold to the other side. Be kind to your disoriented self.
The new place, as much as we have dreamed about it, is somewhere we have never been before. It takes getting used to.
Even if it’s the “right” new place, experience, relationship, job, or whatever, there may be some thunderstorms or slips and falls in the script.
Giveaway Details
To enter to win one of three free copies of And I Shall Find Some Peace There: Trading in the Fast Lane for My Own Dirt Road:
1. Leave a comment on this post. Be sure to comment as “guest” or using Disqus so that I will have your email address to contact you.
2. Tweet the following:
RT @tinybuddha Book Giveaway: And I Shall Find Some Peace There, Margaret Roach http://bit.ly/gKrWkp
Please note that you must do both to win. You can enter until Sunday, April 24th at midnight EST.
Photos by Erica Berger and Margaret Roach
FTC Disclosure: I receive complimentary books for reviews and interviews on tinybuddha.com, but I am not compensated for writing or obligated to write anything specific. I am an Amazon affiliate, meaning I earn a percentage of all books purchased through the links I provide on this site.

About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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It is a beautiful sentiment, one that is entirely inspirational <3 I have been ready for my leap of faith. And just knowing that has already opened so many eyes for me. For the first time , in a long time I can tell people I am happy and completely mean it. <3 It is beautiful to see that there are people going out there, truly living their lives. 😀
Wow! I wish my mum could read this book. She is in her 50’s and just wants to be happy and do the things she loves but has held back all these years due to family and other commitments. I shall show her this interview for sure. Thanks Ms Roach for such a lovely message and Lori for posting this today. A lot of people either reach a certain age and say “it’s too late now” or else feel even more ‘certain’ of what they want and just go for it.
This interview encourages me to continue on the path I’ve chosen: leaving my job and beginning again.
I am on a fence as well…choosing between a career with monetary rewards and living/loving my life.
Lovely interview – I would like to read this book
Great interview, I’ll love to read the book
I have been enjoying Tiny Buddha for a couple of months now. Thanks for your hard work. Happened upon Margaret Roach’s book on another blog last week and have been considering purchasing it. Must get to work now…will look forward to reading your interview this evening.
“We tell agitated, stressed-out kids to take a “time out,” or go to their rooms and read a book on their own. We never give ourselves time-outs.”
This is so true! This phrase truly took me back to my care-free childhood. I’d love to be able to go there in my head every once in a while.
So much of the interview rang true to me. My husband and I picked up and moved literally across the country, 10 months ago. Neither on e of us had spent much time in the Pacific Northwest, but the signs for us to go seemed to be everywhere. We wanted something smaller, slower, more simple. The move was scary and living more simply does not equal easier. But we are both less stressed out by the world around us. I know I am better able to handle unexpected happenings, then I was before. Thank you for sharing your experience of “Trading in the Fast Lane for My Own Dirt Road.”
Can’t wait to read it. I just ordered it yesterday!
I’d love to read this book…
I stepped out of that ‘stream of life’ about twenty years ago and moved to some family land in rural NC. I haven’t had a name for what I’m doing…’living on the planet’ is my answer to most folks who ask what I’m up to. It has not been easy. Thank you for giving me some language.
Sometimes you read something and you feel something shift deep within you. That just happened when I read Margaret’s comment about her list of Tolerances. For it is my Tolerance that’s running out, and I need to leave the fair soon, while there’s still something left of me. I’d love to have Margaret’s book to bring me home from the fair. And thanks to Margaret for pointing me to Tiny Buddha as well!
Everyone has a dream, some get to live their dream and others continue to dream about their dream. There is something that stops the dream from happening, it could be fear, money, health issues, family issues etc. If your dream cannot happen now, you must continue to dream your dream.
WHAT an amazing find. Each and every day as I read so many of the postings on our Facebook walls (and I do include myself as said poster), the news is horrifying in sharing some of the atrocities committed against humanity. I so deeply believe that the essence of each and every human being is love in its purest form. If all of us could embrace this fundamentally simple axiom, can you imagine how much better off we would all be. It’s so simple really — love, pure, sheer, unadulterated love in its purest form — that is who and what we are.
Hi Margaret, I’m at that crossroads right now when I’m saying I can’t do this anymore and trying to weigh the pros and cons. Thanks for the words of wisdom. I’d love to read your book.
I am really enjoying your blogs on Facebook . Thanks for sharing.
Thoroughly enjoyed it! I have found that living a simple life is the key to happiness. and could be the key to longevity. It allows one to explore nature and themselves as a part of it, therefore letting us clearly see the importance of its preservation.
Margaret Roach rocks!
This sounds right up my alley–I’m planning a major life change as well.
I can’t wait to read this book- it’s been on my “to read” list for months. I’d LOVE to win a copy!
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. ”
Thanks, Margaret, for sharing with us your story! It’s truly an inspiration!
I’d like to give Margaret’s book to a good friend… but I don’t want to part with my own copy.
My husband and I left the fair recently. It’s a great life out here. Margaret is a great inspiration as we attempt to tame our piece of the wilderness.
As I sit here in the Good Friday morning sun, pulling out my laptop to start studying yet again for a crazy exam I have looming, I am so happy that I have Tiny Buddah bookmarked as the first thing I see. What an inspiring and wonderful story. Margaret is a hero to me and I don’t even know her… thank you Margaret and Lori for inspiring me today : )
Happy Easter!
Trying to simplify my life one step at a time. Love tinybuddha on twitter. You make me happy. 🙂
Peace of mind is what every one is looking for anyway and hence i feel this book is a must read.
Sometimes reading something inspirational reminds me to slow down and breath and peace is obtainable.
Lovely post, and would like to learn more by reading the book
I personally think too much, and it affects my happiness and inner peace. I’m currently reading “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,” but this book also looks very interesting. 🙂 I love TinyBuddha.
I love tiny buddha on twitter. Tiny like the steps I take to happiness every day
waters are still flowing
regardless of what mood I’m in
waters are still flowing
regardless of what mood I’m in
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the book. Thank you for reminding all of us to stay tuned in to ourselves and get back to what truly calls you.
This was just what I needed this morning. Another beautiful soul who gas paved the way for those who are just taking that first precious step.
Sounds like a fabulous read!
So many wonderful mantras here and a great life lesson to learn from.
It’s the simple things in life and taking it one thing at a time. Lists are such a wonderful idea. I would to read Maragret’s book.
That’s a lovely post! Thanks!
I have always admired those that leave their mundane lives behind in order to embrace their dreams and their true happiness. This sounds like an excellent read and an inspiration.
Good words on the stress filled day. Thank you for sharing.
i’m in the throes of this same journey. still have moments of “good god what have i done”. but am trusting things will fall in place as they should. it seems i am a recovering control freak!
I love books like this! Sounds wonderful and even life-changing.
Love this interview…I often feel too busy, but I try peridiocally to give myself a time out.
I think Lori has learned and is sharing a lot of many universal truths!!! We all have fears to overcome, we all have dreams that we wish to make a reality. Our spiritual path are our own. I try to learn new things everyday, I try to be a better person everyday. I love my personal journey!!! Thank you Lori for all you have done and will do!!!
Tweeted @thaunak
What a wonderful human being; – too believe in the power of simplicity and silence.
I, too, have stayed too long at the fair. But my yoga and meditation practices are leading me home.
I just took the largest leap of faith in my life. And I couldn’t be more excited about the possibilities! Come August, I’ll be living in Montana! I know now, beyond a doubt, that this is the right decision for me.
P.S. I have never re-tweeted anything more than I do Tiny Buddha.
simplicity seems like such peace! I hope to acheive that for myself as well! Thanks!