I want to set something straight.
About a year and a half ago, I opened an Instagram/Facebook account called @HeyMinot. My family has been stationed in Minot twice, and we genuinely enjoy living here. In fact, we requested to come back for our second tour. Even after my husband separated from active duty and attached to a guard unit in Michigan, we chose to stay.

Over the years, I realized I had a knack for helping others settle in—finding local fun, uncovering hidden gems, and answering questions about relocating to Minot. I became a walking Rolodex of tips, tricks, and recommendations.

Eventually, I found myself answering the same questions over and over. I thought, Why not create a central place for these answers? I wanted a fun, practical resource that would show what life in Minot really looks like. For those relocating on military orders—without much say in the matter—I hoped it would provide answers, ease the transition, and maybe even spark some excitement about a place long considered one to avoid.
And just like that, HeyMinot was born.

Over the last 18 months, the response has blown me away. I’ve shared practical tips, ways to save money, recipes, silly takes on Upper Midwest life, and endless ideas for having fun. I’ve learned so much from others who have taken the time to message me. Real friendships have grown from what started as a simple social media account. If it’s about North Dakota, Minot, or learning to enjoy life where you are—it belongs on HeyMinot.
But along with the good, there’s been plenty of negativity. Every day, I read comments like:

• North Dakota sucks.
• Fargo is way better than Minot.
• We moved to Wisconsin, and it’s so much nicer.
• North Dakota is garbage—move to Minneapolis.

And here’s what I want people to understand: One thing being great doesn’t mean another thing is terrible.
Yes, sometimes I say, North Dakota is the best! But I mean it in the same way you might say, Butter pecan ice cream is the best! Do I know there are other flavors? Of course. Do I think other things in life matter more than ice cream? Absolutely. What I really mean is, I love this place, and I want people to know it’s awesome!

The misconception is that in order for one place to be good, another must be bad. The truth is, there is room for lots of things, and lots of places to be good. The truth is North Dakota isn’t really the best, because no one place ever is. The Best doesn’t exist because it is subject to opinion, preference, and a myriad of other personal factors.
I spent years wishing my life looked different, longing for a different situation. Looking back, those are times I regret the most. By choosing to dislike where I was and what I had, I robbed myself of the joy and contentment I could have been experiencing. I let circumstances dictate my happiness instead of picking up the proverbial pen to write my own story.

I don’t want to do that again. And I don’t want it for you either. Other places might have bigger populations, warmer weather, or airports that fly direct to more destinations. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have something special here.

Life is sweeter when you are at peace with where you are. Joy, peace, and contentment aren’t about location—but mindset.

Your exact preferences may not be an option every day. But every day you have options. Sometimes, enjoying where you are is a choice you have to make, an investment in your own happiness. The good news? Doing so gets easier with practice.

Yes, I love living in North Dakota. I love helping others see the good here. But if life takes us somewhere else, I’ll work just as hard to find the good there, too. I’ll be that town’s biggest cheerleader.
Maybe North Dakota wasn’t at the top of your dream sheet—that’s okay. The place you dream of moving to is amazing, and I hope you get there someday.

But until then, I hope you’ll see that life here can be great, too.
Don’t make the mistake I did—wishing away your present so hard that you miss the potential for incredible moments happening right now.