Are you missing out on an awesome local experience?
If you’re anything like me (have been living in the same town for 20 years) then this is for you. When we settle into an area we can quickly become immersed in our small bubble, repeating the same day to day tasks, and maybe checking out a new restaurant on the weekends.
That’s great…for about a month. I speak from experience when I say that on the surface small towns look like they don’t have much to offer and that’s the truth, if you do not actively search for and capitalize on new opportunities inside of that town. If you resign to your standard schedule and make no effort to take a chance on your small town, then you will miss out on experiences like finding your new favorite coffee shop with the best reading nook, connecting with people who are also interested in engineering in a makerspace, or the coolest stretch of woods to explore. A large city will scream its features in your face until it becomes the new routine, “Come to_____ every wednesday night at six!”, eventually that big city attraction will turn into another bland feature if you let it. Take up a spirit of adventure and seek out everything your town has got to offer, regardless of its size.
I am willing to bet that if I can find new experiences in the same town I’ve lived in my whole life that you can find some great new adventures in your own town, no matter how long you’ve lived there. If you are a rare case that has experienced everything a town could possibly offer, then start telling others, teach people what you like most about that place.
I recently heard from a friend about a few local bands who were doing a free show in the back room of a local record shop. I would have gone on living my routine Thursday nights at my church’s youth group. I go every week and could do with a little change. I decided to seek a new experience and took my friend up on her offer. Stepping out of my usual schedule introduced me to some great local music with performances by The Skinny Limbs, and Birdie Country (Personal favorite), and Hope Waidley.
Never forget about your local scene.
I’ve discovered new climbing gyms, parks, and events just by becoming more connected over the past year. I know this is more of an extroverted practice, but every time I step out of the house it’s an adventure and a learning experience. This is growth at its core, coming from something you knew on the surface and using it to propel oneself into a better day/week/month/year. Stay open to new opportunities and don’t be afraid to be a little spontaneous. Meet new people, try new things, participate in local activities. As long as you enter new situations with a positive mindset, and total freedom,you will find the gold in your area. Do this and I’m sure you will experience growth and maybe even learn something new about yourself.
P.S. My favorite song by birdie country is ‘Peony’, check it out on Spotify here.