All throughout my childhood, I was lucky enough to travel around the country and even outside of it. What I found through these explorations is that I always came back to my hometown. At times, especially now that I am home for the summer, I desire to live in a place that is bustling with life and options. When away at school, I drift back to the simple lifestyle I left behind. Maybe one day, I'll return to my home but for now I'll explore the path set out for me. These are just a few of the reasons why you should love living in your small town.

1. Everyone Knows Everyone.

While this may seem like a bad thing, it can be a great thing. The people of your small community are like a family. They come together as one in troubling times. Growing up in a small town, you can't go to the grocery store without running into someone you know. You meet new people in school, the gym, and even at the local restaurant. While you may not want everyone knowing your business, it helps to have some friendly folks around when you need them.

2. It's Where Your Big Memories Are Made.

You get your driver's license here. You make your first friends and even life-long friends here. You prepare for the future here. You graduate and take the next step in your life here. Your small town holds every decision you've ever made, whether good or bad. What you make of those memories is up to you.

3. Hometown Culture.

Living in a small town, you are able to experience things that people in large cities don't. You have the locally owned restaurants, boutiques, and other small businesses scattered along it's landscapes. You may even know the owners personally. This creates a tight-knit connection between the creators and consumers. You know the language and slang spoken around you. You understand what your hometown means to you and others.

4. It's The Place You Go Back To When You're Feeling Down.

You will always be linked to the place you came from. It's natural. Anything that ever happens there will effect you whether good or bad. It gives you a sense of security and calmness knowing that this is where it all started.

5. It's The Place You Will Always Cherish.

When you leave your small town for college, work, or for whatever reason you choose, remember where you came from. This place helped to shape you, make you who you are today. Your morals and beliefs were given to you in this place. You received love and guidance while growing up in a beautiful hometown. You may return to this place one day, you may not, and that's okay. Just know that this place will still be there for you to settle back down in after you're done living that fast paced lifestyle. You can end it here where it all began.

For those wondering, I'm from a little town about 5 minutes north of Biloxi, MS called D'iberville. While I loved growing up on the coast, I hope to make a new life for myself in a bigger setting. I aspire to cherish and love my little town forever, no matter where my journey takes me.