When someone asks you where you are from, are you always truthful? Obviously, many people don't lie as big as to say they are from a different country, but maybe your town is very small and no one has heard of it, so you say you are from the largest city near you. Well, I was fortunate enough to grow up in a town like this - a town known as New Almelo, Kansas. Many people who live in a town like I do aren't proud of it, but here are a few reasons that I am proud to have been raised in New Almelo.
1. I know everyone in town
One of the best parts about a small town like mine is knowing everyone. Now, New Almelo has a population that varies anywhere between 30-40, depending on the time of year. No, I did not forget to add "thousand" or anything behind those numbers. I literally mean 30-40 people.
2. You can walk down the middle of the street at any time of day
It may seem like a small thing, however, I always feel like I'm in some kind of hipster, indie movie whenever I take a stroll through town walking down the middle of our dirt roads listening to Asleep by The Smiths.
3. There are so many artsy Instagram's that can be taken in small towns
Speaking of indie feels, the number of Instagramable moments I have in New Almelo are almost unimaginable. Take a look at these:
WHAT? HOW?
YAAAAAASSSSSS!
I NEED MORE!
THANK YOU!
4. A good sense of community
I love the fact that if I run out of sugar for a recipe, I just need to walk across the street and ask anyone for sugar and they will be more than happy to help. It's small things like that that make me feel a strong sense of community.
5. Safety
Along with that, the fact that I feel safe enough to walk around freely in New Almelo is a blessing in itself. Many cannot say the same of their large city hometowns.
6. The fresh air
Walking outside and breathing in fresh air is an amazing thing, and if you've never gone out in the country and smelled the dirt, the grass, all of nature, you're truly missing out on an amazing experience.
7. The night silence
Don't even get me started on the magical nighttime atmosphere. The absolute silence that can be heard outdoors is chilling and mystifying. Whenever I feel stressed and bogged down by my earthly troubles, I walk outside and just sit, stare, and ponder. It clears my mind and relaxes every part of my being.
8. The night sky
Lastly, the sky. It's something that can't be experienced in a photograph. The twinkling stars, the cool breeze, the chirping of crickets in the background; it can change you.
It has definitely changed me. I would not be the person I am without the town that helped teach and shape me. I will never take for granted the experience that is New Almelo, Kansas.
