5 Things I’ve Learned From Moving

Over the course of my lifetime I’ve made three major moves across the country. To some people moving is ridiculous. They cannot believe I’ve had to leave the town I grew up in! At the same time, there are people that don’t bat an eye at this many moves because they had already moved ten times by the time they were in high school. However you might look at it, I view this as a pretty cool experience in my life because every place I’ve lived has been so unique and different from the last.

For me, it all started in the Midwest, Northwestern Iowa, to be exact. Then, my family moved south to Tennessee. Now, we are located in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. I hated moving at the time. It felt like being torn away from everything I had known and learned. Now, looking back, I am so glad that I was able to experience these different parts of our country. I feel it has given me great perspective. So, I would like to share with you all 5 things I’ve learned from moving.

1. Beauty is Everywhere
   Depending on where you grew up, you probably have different connotations of beauty and where it is or isn’t. For example, when I was growing up in NW Iowa I thought that the lakes around that area, where my family used to go camping, were gorgeous! Now this isn’t to say that they aren’t in their own way, but my standards have changed a little since I’ve hiked to the top of a few mountains in Montana. With that being said, if you spend enough time in any area, you will be able to find some beautiful views, people or experiences (however, it might be easier in some places than others).

2. Most Stereotypes are Bullsh*t
   In this day and age, you can’t really stereotype any group of people or place. America is one huge melting pot with all kinds of people in all kinds of places. Whatever stereotype used to be, is probably no more. Iowans don’t only eat corn and not all Montanans ride horses.

3. Southern Hospitality is a Real Thing
   I realize this contradicts my previous point but, can you prove me wrong? If you haven’t been “Down South” you need to go to experience how nice a person can be. The majority of “Southerners” are raised to be respectful and welcoming. It’s infectious too! When you have children and adults alike addressing you as “Sir” or “Ma’am” all day long, you start doing the same. All of us “Northerners” can take a lesson or two from these tea drinkers.

4. Rednecks are Everywhere
   Whatever you define a “redneck” as, I promise you they are not bound by any state line. I’ve seen bird dogs, fishing poles and garages full of tools and beer in every state I’ve visited. If you think rednecks are scarce where you live, just go down to any gas station that sells worms in the same cooler as drinks and wait ten minutes. Listen for a diesel.

5. Family is Consistent
   The older you get the more you will begin to realize that your family is one of the most consistent things in your life. Whether you move with or without your family. When you start a new job and hang out with new people in a new place, one day you will call your mom or dad and, most likely, talk about the same old things. Which is nice when everything else around you is moving at 100 mph. I have definitely learned to better appreciate my family and all that they do/have done for me the older I get. This lesson really rings true when moving away from family. You know the old adage, “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” Mom’s cooking and dad’s stories are a couple things that fall into this category.

Don’t get me wrong, I have learned more than 5 things in 23 years, I just think these are a few of the good ones. Agree or disagree? Let me know what you think!

Written by: Nate Christoffels