At the beginning of my teenage years, I hated growing up in a small town. It always felt like everyone knew each other's business. Out in public, I was bound to see someone I knew, and although I enjoy being social, somedays you just want to grocery shop in peace. I longed to live the life of a person who lived in a big city, like New York City, and just walk down the sidewalk through town and not know a single soul. As the years have passed, however, I am extremely grateful to have grown up in a small town. It has taught me so many lessons, and also brought me some of the best people in my life. Here are some lessons I have learned from being raised in a small town.
1. People are good.
Somedays it can feel like you are so alone but, growing up in a tight-knit community has proved to me otherwise. There is no shortage of people who are willing to be kind and uplift you in a small town.
2. Shopping locally is important.
There are lots of scale businesses in small towns. It is incredible to see the impact that local businesses can have on a town and its people. Local businesses bring together the community, as well as boost the town's economy.
3. Be kind to everyone.
- This may be the most valuable lesson I have learned from growing up in a small town. Being polite is something my parents have instilled in me since childhood but living in a small town has shown me the importance of being kind. We truly never know what the people around us experience and are dealing with and being kind can uplift people tremendously.
