Chances are unless you live in a town where the population barely exceeds a couple hundred, there's a lot more to your city than you even realize.
Just look at the beautiful basilica I stumbled upon the other day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
This is The Basilica of Saint Josaphat. It is located on 2333 South 6th Street, right in the middle of a residential area. Although it's a huge building, you might miss the significance of it if you're just driving through the area. Until you step foot in the church, you have no idea what a beautiful sanctuary it truly is. In Milwaukee, it seems this kind of thing happens far too often.
Comparing the good 'ole MKE to places such as New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, or even Chicago stops an individual from ever seeing the city's true potential. It makes Milwaukee look small and insignificant.
But look at the kind of adventures I've had after living in Milwaukee for just two and a half years.
I've trekked the bluffs of the Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve.
I've sipped java at dozens of coffee shops around the city.
I've climbed to the top of the US Bank building and experienced the view of a lifetime.
I've rummaged through old, abandoned buildings.
I've unprofessionally observed art at the Milwaukee Art Museum.
I've seen the sun rise over the deep blue waters of Lake Michigan.
I've taste tested more urban authentic restaurant than I care to admit.
And all in all, I've learned to love Milwaukee with all my heart.
I've done a lot of things that you yourself could probably do in your own city. Whether you live in the middle of Iowa cornfields or on the coasts of New Jersey, where you are is a great place to be.
Granted, Milwaukee is big. The city is based just off of Lake Michigan with trails to hike, new foods to try and a concrete jungle to explore. Milwaukee is home to Summerfest, the State Fair, street festivals, and brewery tours. Within the city, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Milwaukee Brewers fight to be the best in the Midwest. But the greatest parts of Milwaukee aren't the big annual events that attract hundreds of thousands of people. The best parts are the stuff only a select few know about.
Learn about the little stuff in your city. Appreciate the places that are unique to your location. Dream big, but don't forget to love where you came from. Explore. Discover. Go on too many adventures. Write your own story about your own city and the many reasons you love it.