The 9 best things about growing up in a small town

A lot of where and who I am now goes back to where I grew up and how I was raised. Most kids who grow up in small towns complain about it while they're there and envy those who grew up in the city. But I'm here to tell you that as you grow older, you'll learn to appreciate where you came from. You never know where life may take you, but here, in this stage of my existence, I can't imagine raising my future children any differently from how my parents raised me. Growing up small has its perks.

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1. You have the opportunity to create some amazing, long-lasting relationships

2. Going out meant going to the local movie theater with your besties

3. Being the "star" of any sport is pretty easy

4. You can ride your bike 10 blocks every day to see your childhood BFF

5. Dads can take the mo-ped (scooter) on their 20-minute drive to work, helmet not required

6. Dads let you learn to drive at the age of 10

7. Your family labrador becomes the neighborhood labrador

8. Most kids live in one house their entire childhood

9. Throwing a party meant having a bonfire in a cornfield

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There are probably 100 more I could add to this list, but i'll leave it here for now. There are many positives and negatives for being raised small and for being raised living a big city life. Regardless of where or how you grew up, be sure to reflect back on it and be grateful for everything you've been through; it's made you who you are today. I am so thankful for my small town roots.