Returning to a rural community doesn't mean you can't "hack it" in the real world...it means you desire the values we consider important in rural America. Yes, everyone knows your name and what you're up to at almost every moment, but if you're in a bind and need a helping hand, you don't have to look very far. Your children can safely wander the streets and you know that just a phone call can get them running home. Your child can make the basketball team without a try-out, just a bit more hardwork and they'll be starting varsity no doubt. Entitlement has not yet seeped into every pore of our way of life and hardwork is held in high regard. Yes, the real estate here may be tight and not easy to access but you have the chance to build your dreams from scratch. You can live a life you'll love. You can start a business and be successful because we know there are many unfilled niches in rural communities. It may not be the easiest lifestyle but I believe it's worth it. It's worth it to know you can make more of an impact on an entire community and its citizens in 6 months than you could on your cubicle mate in 6 months.
I'm rural by choice because I have a dream to raise a family where the land is theirs to touch, to cultivate. The streets are safe to play in and generally everyone is friendly and understanding. I'm rural by choice because I've seen the world and would much rather be coming home to rural America than coming home to the hustle and bustle of a city. Yes, I miss sushi and Starbucks and movie theaters but I have the chance to start my fish farm and my coffee shop and create movies on the side of city hall and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
I'm part of an organization...a grassroots, very new organization known as Power-ups! This group is made of young people between the ages of 21-39 that are rural by choice. If you're rural by choice, go check out their website and sign up... http://www.ruralbychoice.com/! We're also on Facebook! It's a great way to connect and learn how other Power-ups are dealing with issues and successes in their rural part of the world. It's not expected for successful young professionals to returning to rural America and that's what makes this movement so great! We are rare and strong and passionate about where we live! And if I hadn't been passionate about being a citizen of rural Kansas, I never would've met the love of my life...so one more good thing to add to the awesome things about being rural by choice!
