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Sometimes the biggest life changes start with a single, unexpected choice. For one former city dweller, that choice became a turning point. In this “Letter To My Former Self,” Mary Bridger reflects on what she didn’t know about north Durham back then—the calm she’d find, the community she’d grow into, and the surprising way life got more exciting.
Dear Mary,
I know you’re reading this while on the subway or sitting in your condo, scrolling the real estate ads, and convinced that a place with a view of the CN Tower is our peak life goal as a 20-something professional. So, here’s the plot twist: we moved to Uxbridge, in north Durham, and it didn’t shrink our world, it expanded it.
Life now has breathing room. Mornings begin with quiet streets, real stars at night, and kids who know their neighbours’ names. The pace softened, but the ambition didn’t. I still work globally—time zones, flights, big ideas—but somehow feel more connected because the city is close enough to touch without swallowing every hour. Toronto’s energy is still there when I want it; peace is here when I need it.
What surprised you most? Community. Not the buzzword kind, the real, show-up kind. I got involved in local government, volunteered, sat at tables where people actually listen, and found purpose shaping the place we live. Friends came from everywhere: different careers, cultures, ages, politics. We don’t all agree, but we all care. That’s rare, and powerful.
For our family, this move was a gift. Space to grow, time to be present, and a sense of belonging that can’t be streamed or ordered in. You thought success meant movement. Turns out, sometimes it means putting roots down, without losing your wings.
You didn’t give anything up. You built something better.
With gratitude (and a backyard),
Future You
Mary Bridger
Head of Policy and Advocacy
Start Your Own Chapter in North Durham
In north Durham, ideas don’t get lost in the noise; they get space to grow. And some of the most forward-thinking companies are operating right here—generating momentum, jobs and ideas that reach far beyond local boundaries.
From scenic trails and charming historic downtowns, to vibrant cultural experiences and a strong sense of belonging, north Durham also offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match. It’s the kind of place where you can have a meeting in the morning, hit a trail at lunch, and still be home in time for dinner, without the rush.
