Pride of Place
My most recent mileage statement from one of the major airlines tells me that I have traveled approximately 2.5 million miles with their airline. This information elicits two immediate responses. First, I feel totally exhausted just thinking about all of those trips, but secondly, I have countless fond memories of all the places I have been.
I make my home in Oklahoma, and the most famous Oklahoman of all times, Will Rogers, is known for having said, “I never met a man I didn’t like.” In much the same way, I’ve never been anywhere where I didn’t find something I liked. Whether it’s natural beauty, cultural experiences, or ethnic tradition, there is something to explore and relish in every town, city , or village in the world.
I am very intrigued with the concept known as a staycation. This is a practice that involves avoiding the expenditures of time and money necessary to travel for a vacation while enjoying the sights and attractions in one’s backyard while appreciating all the comforts of home. If you haven’t checked out your home town recently, you might want to consult your chamber of commerce website or visitor’s center to look at your home town like a tourist does.
There are inevitably people traveling today to spend their time and money enjoying things in your community that you and your family have not experienced. Even if you’ve made the rounds of all of the attractions in your community at some point in the distant past, you’re missing out if you don’t explore how the area in which you live has changed.
Several decades ago throughout North America, there was a sociological phenomenon that became known as the “flight to the suburbs.” Families turned their backs on what they thought was the crime, pollution, and danger of the inner city in favor of greenbelts on the far edge of their community. This left many downtown areas somewhat desolate until the recent urban Renaissance.
People left the inner cities feeling that the suburbs would be a safer place to raise their children. In reality, the two greatest causes of death for people under 18 are automobile accidents and suicides. Both of which occur at higher rates in the suburbs. Today, people are rediscovering the many cultural and economic benefits of living in the heart of their city.
Whether you reside in the middle of town or in one of the bedroom communities, don’t miss all of the things that your location has to offer. Don’t let a tourist be better informed and more experienced in your community than you and your family.
As you go through your day today, rediscover your home town.
Today’s the day!