Growing up in a small town is hard- very hard, but it can be fun if you know where to look and what to do. I understand you don’t have a mall, hardly a Tim Hortons or Mcdonalds, and you just want to leave so you can see the world for more than what this small town has to offer. I get it, but how many of you readers can say you’ve taken it for granted?
I know I have, I couldn’t wait to leave that tiny small town, I hated it. I hated the small town drama, not having anything to do, and having to drive over thirty minutes to see a movie, but now that I have left… I cannot wait to come back. When you live in a place, you never see the good in it unless you yourself are happy. Now that I’ve seen more of the world, been able to travel, and now live in a big city, I totally regret taking the small town life for granted. Now that your brain is thinking about what you are taking for granted, let me give you a quick reminder of why you should love being a part of a small town.
1. Everyone knows everyone
While going into a grocery store, a clothing store (if you have one), or just the local farmers market, you will see a familiar face. It is a weekly catch up day with those who you are not very close with but you still like enough to carry on a conversation with. In a sense, it is relaxing to know if you’re ever in trouble, at least one person will know.
2. Late night pit parties
Forget that nightclub or bar that everyone drives an hour to go to, let’s go to a pit party. Sadly these are only around in the summer, but it is so much fun. Going to a large fire back in the bush with ten of your close friends makes that Friday night worthwhile, but then that 10 turns into 50 and surprisingly you know everyone, which makes it even more fun.
3. Street racing
Yes, I know this is illegal but the amount of patrolling police in a small town is very little and you tend to never get caught, which is why it is so much fun. Within a small town, you know whose car is whose, and it makes driving so much more fun. You beep your horn a few times and rev your engine, then it just clicks and away you go (although the final decision on who won is never a good outcome).
4. Slower pace of life
Although small towns can be boring you also get to relax and enjoy life and everything it offers. I know for me, my relaxing moment was taking my dog down the road for a walk and just breathing; you cannot do that in a city- it is very stressful.
5. More support, less competition
With small towns, there are fewer people, and since everyone is so close you all support each other. There’s nothing better than chasing your dreams and having that support beside you.
6. Fewer things to do means more you time
Since there are fewer events and fewer things to spend your money on, you get to really focus on yourself. Figure out what you like and live your life to the fullest. You pick up hobbies and you learn so much about yourself. What gets better than that?
7. The Night Sky
At any time of the day, you will look up and just admire the sky. But when living in a small town there most likely will not be factories or buildings to block your view so you will always have a good view. The best is about 9 or 10 o’clock at night when you look up and you see the beautiful stars. It is a very little thing but when it’s gone, you’ll miss it for sure.
These are only 7 of the best things a small town has to offer but I really recommend taking a minute to stop life, take a breath, and remember where you are and why you’re here. One day you’ll regret leaving and you’ll regret taking everything for granted. Life is hard but always remember your roots.
Featured image via Krisztina Papp on Unsplash
