11 Life Lessons You Learn Growing Up In West Virginia
I consider myself very lucky to be able to say that I am a born and raised West Virginian. This mountain state always has been and always will be my home, no matte where life may take me.
Many have this same privilege, being able to grow up here and learn about the world all while living in “Almost Heaven.”
This is just 11 of the MANY things that I have learned while growing up here, and I’m not done growing up yet so I know that there is still a lot to learn.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The scent of pinto beans and cornbread takes me back to my grandmother's house, when all of the neighborhood kids would be outside playing together, and we would hear our names be called and we all ran home because we knew it was dinner time. No one was ever disappointed to see beans and cornbread on the table.
3) That you can do anything that you put your mind to.
Pictured above is the famous Bridge Day that happens every fall in WV, occurring on the New River Gorge Bridge. The bridge is the third highest vehicular bridge in America! You certainly won't run into me there.
In West Virginia, we are taught to respect our hard working men and women. One of the most respected jobs in this mountain state is coal mining! If you don't like it, turn off your lights!
While this one may be debatable, you have to admit that West Virginia roads are crap! You may be a die-hard West Virginia fan but dodging these potholes becomes a skill that you really wish you didn't have to have.
My dad taught me to love and know bluegrass music, he always had a fiddle with him and he always knew songs that would make me smile. Bluegrass music is a big deal in this state! Pictured above is the West Virginia bluegrass band, Hominy Falls, featuring my Dad!
These beautiful mountains have always been my home, and my parents' homes, and my grandparents' homes. We've been here for many generations and we are here to stay!
There are many more things that I have learned while living here. Like what a hard-earned dollar is, and to listen to my Mama, and that college football is very important!
I’ve also learned what it is like to be a part of a military family, and how hard that really can be sometimes.
I’ve experienced loss, I have seen new life come forth to this world, and I have felt overwhelmed. But I realize now that I am incredibly lucky to have everything that I have had over the years and all of the experiences that I have under my belt. I also realize that I would be different if it weren’t for this state. I wouldn’t have the same experiences, or go to the same church, or have had pepperoni rolls for lunch. And those things are just too important to me to want to live any where else.
What is something that you learned growing up in West Virginia? Comment below!
