We spent summers by the lake, played in the corn fields, in the winter we had snowball fights, and we learned to ride our bikes down a hill. We all looked forward to the county fairs, had target lessons out our back porch, took the four wheeler down the street and prayed for snow days with hot chocolate. I vividly remember catching snakes and turtles. I always put a mark on the turtle’s shell, just in case I ever saw them again. (Don’t worry – it was just a small dot of nail polish, no harming them in any way.)

I may be showing my likeness toward the midwest lifestyle but it’s all I know and love. As I continue to grow older, I become increasingly thankful for my small town roots for these reasons:

9. It's like walking into Cheers, everyone knows your name!
Roland Keates
8. In a small city you can hang dry your laundry without neighbors complaining how "tacky" it is. This really happened to me, my neighbor complained. Wow!
Steve
7. Target practice is right outside your back door. How convenient!
Jamie Sue Photography
6. Fun at the local park, running up and down the hill with my sled.
Photography by Sara E. Adkins

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5. Once a year going downtown Indianapolis to visit the state capital. I really thought it was amazing with all the hustle, people and tall buildings.
Photography by Sara E. Adkins
4. As a child, it was okay to go outside whenever we wanted to, no one had to be by our side. It was safe and we also kept every door unlocked.
Jim Pennucci
3. I was taught that family and friends the most important bond we can have. No matter what, these people have your back.
freeparking 😐
2. All terrain vehicles normally come with the territory. My parents bought a house once and the previous owners left a dirt bike in the shed. Can anyone say bonus gift?
Jamie Sue Photography
1. Lastly, we learned how to work hard and provide. We had mills, factories, oil refineries, union jobs and any kind of manual labor. There were no cushy jobs here. If you wanted to provide for your family, you worked hard.
Ogilvy PR

These are just some of the reasons I wouldn’t trade my small-town Indiana upbringing for anything. How about you? Did you grow up here? What important life lessons did you learn along the way?

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