MMM: Explore Your Hometown

via

I believe very strongly that you must appreciate your surroundings, even if they are temporary. There's no way any of us should be wasting our time complaining about our uncultured/boring/other-negative-adjective hometown. 

I am fortunate to live in the vibrant and innovative Phoenix, Arizona. Despite the fact that I question why I live here every summer, I know that even with the oven-like summers, this is my home. My family is a big reason why I feel so rooted to this city in the desert, but as  I have grown older, I have formed my own personal connections.

This past weekend was filled with some of my most favorite Phoenix-y activities (i.e. great reminders of why I am meant to live here):
+ An endless number of local restaurants that make sure the foodie in me is never hungry. I went on two dates with my dad, one here and another here, along with trying out this amazingly yummy and affordable brunch spot with my close friend. I also took part in the festivities celebrating the 5-year anniversary of this restaurant. (I feel like I need to make a few extra trips to the gym after reflecting on my calorie intake this weekend. Oh well, life's too short to say no to fabulous food. Life's all about balance, right?)
+ Large events that bring people together to honor those who have sacrificed it all.
+ Innovative community events like the SWAP organized by CO-OPhx that connect Phoenix's residents in a casual, welcoming environment. 

My MMM advice for you: stop saying you are going to explore your hometown, and actually do it. Go to that art festival that you always drive by, grab dinner at that cool new restaurant in town, and/or walk around the park that you haven't been to since childhood. 

Start living. Stop complaining. Don't wait until you move to some place better. You may even find yourself falling in love with the place you have always wanted to leave. If anything, you will be making memories, meeting new people, and not wasting a moment of this precious life you were given.