If you're new, here's what you need to know...
Basically, the reason this blog exists is because rural often gets a bad reputation in the media. We hear of declining populations, farmers struggling to make ends meet, and the lack of services available. Indeed, there are many challenges facing today's rural communities and no one knows that better than the people actually living there. However, the negative stories I was hearing didn't reflect my own reality living on a farm outside of a small hamlet in central Alberta. My rural reality was strikingly different. Yes, we struggle with many of the same issues as most rural populations but those issues weren't front and centre when I thought about my rural home.
If you were to ask me to describe what it means to live rurally, the first thoughts in my head would be of kind neighbours, generous community support, the freedom to explore nature, harvest suppers in the field, etc., etc. The list would go on and on and it would be awhile before any of those rural challenges were mentioned.
The sharp contrast between my rural reality and the reality being described to me (often by those who had never set foot outside of their city sanctuary) inspired me to start the #ReasonsRuralRocks conversation on Twitter. It is my strong belief that as lovers of rural we have a responsibility to set the record straight on what it means to live rurally. That being said, my intention has never been to gloss over the negative. What we need is an honest conversation that explores both the negative and the positive.
I truly believe that we have the ability to create our own realities. If we only dwell on what is wrong with rural, the beauty of what is, and could be, will be lost forever.
I should mention that this is not meant to spawn an urban vs. rural debate. Urbanites are welcomed to join the conversation. I've recently moved to a city myself and am enjoying this new adventure in my life but I still have one thousand and one #ReasonsRuralRocks.
Here are some of my favourite reasons that showed up in my Twitter feed recently:
- The nearly full moon rising over the last of our wheat harvest #farmingrocks @clht1
- on my receipt: "There is no key to happiness. The door is always open." from the local hardware store Cartwright, MB. @robbiemelvin
- Seeing our brand-new cria run around the corral at 6 hours old. #alpacababies @Alpacamundo
- #I'mHappiestWhen I'm home in rural Nova Scotia! @RCFofNS
- Walking for 2 hours on the gravel and the farmer who's house i was near picked me up and took me home. #thanks ! @JustinxTrinh
- When u see more combines than cars on your commute you might live in #NorthDakota @katpinke
If you like what these folks had to say, please let them know and follow them on Twitter. While you're at it, I'd love to hear your #ReasonsRuralRocks!
Not on Twitter? Don't worry. You can still be a part of the conversation. Share your reasons here on the blog!
Most importantly, please spread the word! If we value our rural life, it is up to us to share that value with the rest of the world.
