After moving out of Alaska, we returned "home" to Nebraska. We spent most evenings grilling at my parents' home. One of those nights, we had some relatives over. And as most family gatherings go, we were peppered with the usual questions:

"Is the darkness [in Alaska] hard to deal with?"
"What's the weather like in Alaska right now?"
"So where are you going to be living now?" 

And then my relative asked the question that started it all:

"If you could, would you live in Alaska again?"

Without hesitation, I answered, "Hell yes."

This stunned my relative. "Why would you ever want to live THERE?" 

The emphasis that was placed on "there" was filled with such disgust and bewilderment it shocked me. I was stunned that someone who has never been somewhere could be so judgmental. There was no convincing her how amazing Alaska is, no matter how many pictures of the gorgeous scenery I showed her. She was convinced Nebraska was the best place to be.

And it got me to thinking about where you live. Now having lived a few different places, these are the universal truths I have found:

1. Someone who has lived somewhere their whole life believes that region is the best.
2. Those who have lived all over the country know that every region is more or less the same. There's always a McDonald's, you'll always have a place to buy your toothpaste, and all toilets operate more or less the same. 
3. Most people are experts in places they have never seen nor visited.
4. People will make jokes every time we move. I believe it's because they put themselves in our shoes and the thought of living our life terrifies them.

The moral of the story? Be open-minded. There is beauty in every place, from the lush mountains of Alaska, to the tranquil cornfields of Nebraska. My only hope is that you may some day see that beauty for yourself.