Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. Today I’m sharing reliable ways to embrace life in Minot. These are the things that took me from newcomer to, “Minot is my town.” For more tips, lists and information on living like a local be sure to follow BeLOCAL.
For me, the hardest part of the military lifestyle has been moving. The seemingly endless uprooting and starting over. That’s part of the reason we requested to come back to Minot. Yes, we love it here–but starting over from the ground up is exhausting. Any military family can attest.
So, if you’re here for the first time, welcome. I’m glad you’re in Minot. I know what it’s like to be new in town. In lots of towns. Of all the places we’ve explored, Minot is close to the top of the list of places we most enjoy living. However, it wasn’t easy finding our place in town when we first arrived in the summer of 2012.
Through luck, a few good acquaintances and my tenacity to figure out how to live like a local, we eventually found our way. The truth is, there’s a difference between living in and deciding to embrace life in Minot. Only you can choose which you’ll pursue. Here are my best tips for settling in and beginning to embrace life in Minot.
Find a Church
Settling in and investing in a church home truly gave us a place in town. We made friends, became invested and contributed our skills to a cause we are passionate about: The Kingdom of Christ. If you are a church-goer, muster the tenacity to keep “church-shopping” until you find a good fit.
If you aren’t a church-goer, that’s okay too. Churches are great places for investing in the community or just forming relationships. Most Minot churches I’m familiar with would welcome a newcomer to town with open arms–whether your beliefs fully align or not. Join a small group, volunteer, play sports. Church is a great first contact for feeling at home.
Mourn Your Loss
If you are moving to Minot from a place you loved, it’s okay to be sad. Take time to mourn your loss. Being uprooted is painful, especially if you didn’t have a choice in when or where you needed to move next. Be sad, but don’t wallow in misery. Allow that wound to heal and intentionally seek ways to begin enjoying your life here.
Be Openminded
I say this all the time: Minot is unlike anywhere else you’ve lived. It’s my golden rule. Don’t expect Minot to be Dallas, Pensacola, Washington DC, Omaha, Shreveport, Salt Lake City, or anywhere else. It’s just Minot. Embrace it for the quirky, sitcom-vibing place it is. Stay openminded about the life you can build here.
Invest in the Community
Find something you love or hate about town and invest there. As a community, Minot is incredibly receptive to new ideas. Hop on board with something you love and are passionate about. Or, pinpoint something you passionately dislike and work to change it.
If you have an idea and plan, chances are others will rally around you. Minot is one of the few places I’ve lived where an individual can have a significant impact, even if they only live in town for a few years.
Be Social
Minot is a social town. Events happen all the time, and the folks who go to one event usually go to others. Start attending and you’ll start running into familiar faces. Keep up with the BeLocal Instagram feed and the Visit Minot calendar to see what’s happening. Be intentional about getting out year round and you’ll start to appreciate what Minot has to offer.
From a mental health standpoint, socializing will offer healing and isolation will only fester your wounds and allow lies and dissatisfaction to breed. I know it can be scary, but truly be intentional about getting out when things are going on.
Introduce Yourself
Making new friends is hard. I get it, but you can do it. Here are ten places I’ve made friends in Minot:
- Kids activities (Fun Zone, Story Times, Library Activities)
- Group Fitness Classes
- Church
- Serving on a nonprofit board
- Reaching out to people with like interests on Instagram
- Taking a class
- Volunteering
- Military spouse groups/events
- Work
- Being a regular at a cafe/restaurant/shop
You Can Do This
The season of change is a difficult one. But trust me when I say, Minot is glad to have you. Give it time, give it a chance. Minot might not be a dream home for everyone, but I believe anyone can enjoy their time here.
One More Thing…I Need a Favor
Recently, I started penning sample chapters for a memoir
detailing my experience with mental health crisis as a Christian and military spouse. YOUR help will get the book published. The easiest way is click “FOLLOW” on Instagram or sign up for my monthly newsletter via email (below). Your support demonstrates interest in this story and these words of hope.
Above all, thank you for being here and for your support. It’s an honor to share my testimony with you and I’m excited to see the great things God does through your journey.
For more on Minot basics, positive living and encouragement be sure to join me on Instagram and Facebook. And for more about living like a local, follow BeLOCAL and read their publication.
