When some people hear the word country, they instantly think of tractors, cowboy boots and livestock. Some will turn their nose up and be like why would you be proud to come from a farm in the middle of nowhere, where you have to drive at least 15 minutes to the nearest town. Well I'm hear to put an end to all those stereotypes and dirty looks that are give to us country folks.
1. Unappreciated and underpaid occupation
To start off, without farmers, nobody on this earth would have food to eat. Farmers are one of the most underappreciated people who have to deal with ungrateful people when trying their machinery down the road since they are in a hurry to get nowhere. If you are ever stuck behind a tractor, your best idea is to just sit back and lay off the horn because they are not going to go any faster when you behind them, The next time you see a farmer, maybe try a thank you instead of dirty look for making you go 10 miles per hour.
2. Life lessons that can't be taught anywhere else
Growing up on a farm has taught you the responsibilities of getting up early to start chores and having to deal with stubborn livestock. That 6 am rooster crow replaces your alarm clock and trust me there is no snooze button to hit till you throw some feed into his pen. Farm life also allows for you to not only learn how to overcome difficult situation, but it also allows for you to learn valuable life skills like leadership, organization and communication skills.
3. Everyone is one big family
When you are from a farming a community, everyone becomes family. You can go to anyone for help on anything and they will be more than willing to do whatever they can. Some people may frown on the farming community, but in reality, I believe they are just jealous. In the city, you can walk down the street and pass about 100 people before someone will even acknowledge you with a head nod or hello if you are lucky.
4. Tough times make you stronger
Growing up, everything is not always butterflies and rainbows. When your yearly income depends on how many bushels a field is yielding, times can be stressful. When mother nature decides that she wants to rain for days and flood the crops or wants to go to the other extreme with the sun blaring, it can really test a person. You have to be able to adjust to the conditions in front of you and with that, it only allows you to grow as a person and make you stronger in the end.
5. The beauty of nature is everywhere
Being out in the country, you are always surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature. You never have to worry about the city noise or lights constantly shining. The only noise is those of the birds singing in the morning or insects chirping in the night. You can go out on any summer night and lay in the grass and point out all the constellations that your grandfather showed you as a child. Nature is beautiful no matter the time of day, but it can only be seen in the openness of the country.
Some people may think that the country is filled with hillbillies and hicks, but really we are just people who like to enjoy the simplicity of nature and know that a little hard work and dedication can take you far in this world. The next time you think about bad mouthing or judging someone who is from the country, just know that we can judge you about being from the city, but we will take the high road on that one.
