Life in the country is pretty much the best thing ever. I live in Oklahoma, so I have been a country gal since I was a little girl. I have always loved hunting, fishing, riding horses and all the other "country activities."
I had started to turn into a "less country" girl than I used to be, and part of that was because of a boyfriend I had that wasn't country, so I felt that I needed to change myself for him to like me. Newsflash: You do not need to change your personality, looks, or beliefs for any man. If you feel like you need to change for him then maybe you need to change your mindset.
Now, I am having an intervention and I have realized that I was meant to be a country gal. I am not going to let a boy, my friends or anything else keep me from enjoying the greatest aspects of Oklahoma.
1. The people.
When I go out of the state, I can immediately tell a difference in the attitude of the people. In Oklahoma, when you pass someone on the sidewalk you at least give them a nod even if you don't have a full-on conversation with them; you at least acknowledge their existence. We hold the doors for people, we respect our elders and we make people feel welcome. People in other states aren't like that. Obviously, not every state and not every person is like that, but from my experience, people are not as polite and courteous as the Okies I have been raised around.
2. The music.
I don't know about you, but I would much rather listen to country music than any other kind of music out there. Listening to music that can realistically relate to life, relationships, and fun is better (in my opinion) than music that fantasizes girls, fame, and money (this playlist is from my Spotify account).
3. The entertainment.
There is just something about a small town rodeo on Saturday night. Whether it's a rodeo, a county fair, or just a bonfire with your friends, I would much rather be there than a club any day.
4. The views.
Now, I am not saying the political views, because I don't even want to go into that.
Instead, what you can see out your window is just amazing. The sight of field after field, the sunsets, and especially in Oklahoma with storm season, there is always something beautiful to see.
5. The food.
I love growing my own food. Going out to the garden and harvesting my own food is something that I love doing. Growing my own food isn't the only thing either, waking up to the smell of homemade biscuits and gravy at my grandma's farm is something that I look forward to every time we go visit her.
6. The fashion sense.
Life in the country consists of jeans, boots, camo and hats. Some of my most prized possessions are my boots and jeans. You also learn that Langston's is your best friend. One of the best Christmas gifts I have received was a Langston's gift certificate. A girl can never have too many boots.
7. The determination.
Oklahoma has, no doubt, some of the hardest working people I know. They never give up, they try their hardest, and they get it done. If the fail they get up, dust the red dirt off their jeans and try again.
8. The family.
I'm not talking about my immediate family, (although they're pretty great, too). I am talking about my fellow Oklahomans. No matter the circumstances, they always band together and take care of one another. One great example is the Moore tornado in May of 2013. Everyone came together and did everything they could to help the victims and rebuild their lives.
There ya' go, eight reasons why life in the country is better. It is not for everyone, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I am so lucky to be a part of this great state.