Michigan Love

After I turned 30 a funny thing happened. Something I never thought would happen. Something I fought against for YEARS.

(via)

I actually started to love Michigan.

I know. I’m as shocked as you are. I spent most of my teen years complaining about the weather and wishing I lived in a state with an ocean. I spent most of my 20s trying to devise a plan to get OUT of Michigan. I have lived here my whole life and I just wanted to move to the ocean. Preferably a place without snow and without hurricanes. California, perhaps?

Then something odd happened. I started to appreciate Michigan. The beauty of it. The diverse seasons and how perfectly timed they (mostly) are. I don’t know if it would ever feel like Thanksgiving if the leaves weren't changing to brilliant oranges and reds. I don’t think it would ever feel like Christmas if there was not snow on the ground and a chill in the air. I don’t know if I would truly appreciate the heat and sunshine if I didn't go through the long winter months of gray and cold. Or appreciate the changing of the grass from yellow to green. The trees from bare to bright green. The dead of flowers to their breathtaking blossoming. Would I appreciate these things if they were always the same? If there were no seasons?

All I know is something has changed in me. I have this deep appreciation and love for Michigan. I love the seasons. Even after the worst winter ever. I actually appreciated the beauty of all that snow. I feel defensive when someone talks bad about Detroit or says “Michigan is ugly.” Detroit is awesome and rebuilding and Michigan is actually quite gorgeous.

I think it’s so gorgeous, in fact, that G and I are planning a trip at the end of summer on Lake Michigan. We could go to the ocean or even somewhere tropical, but we have always wanted to stay in this cute beach town up north on the water and so that is what we are doing. I’m so excited. I cannot wait to swim in the lake and not worry about getting eaten by a shark or stung by a jelly fish. I am excited to try new restaurants and explore a cute downtown and wine taste at some beautiful vineyards. In Michigan. Because I’m proud of my state. I love where I live. I my little house in my little town and trying new things in the area. I feel so grown up!