“Why do you like Minot so much?”

I get asked that a lot. But last week, over the course of two days, I answered that question for four different people, in four different places. Even for me—a self-proclaimed “Minot guru”—that was a bit above average.

So that night, I shared a reel to my Instagram channel, @HeyMinot, with a simple script. On the screen, I used this text overlay:
Them: “Why do you like Minot so much?”
Me: “Obviously the -30° windchills.”
JK. The real answer is… I live here.”

It was short, snarky, and real.
And based on the comments, messages, and views—it struck a chord.
Because truthfully? I do like Minot. But not because I struck the PCS lottery and landed in a place that happened to check all my boxes.

I like Minot because I live here. And hard-won experience has taught me: life is more fun when you like where you live.
I didn’t love it and then decide to live here. Like many military families, I found myself living here—so I decided to love it.

Before we arrived on military orders, I didn’t know much about North Dakota—other than it wasn’t the Dakota with Mount Rushmore. My story isn’t unique. A PCS meant leaving behind work I loved, a best friend, and a community I was deeply invested in. I didn’t get a say in if or when we moved. But I did get a say in how I’d approach it.

Negativity about Minot reached my ears before our orders were even official. But I’ve always been stubborn—and a champion of the underdog. So before arriving, I was already pretty determined to like it here. I decided to look beyond the military community and seek out people who chose to live in Minot. Instead of asking why so many people disliked it, I wanted to know why anyone would choose to stay. That question interested me most.
Then, I began intentionally feeding myself small, hopeful thoughts:

• “This is a good place.”
• “There’s a lot to do here.”
• “I can’t wait to find my favorite things.”
• “I’ve never experienced anything like this before.”

At first, it felt awkward to say those things out loud—especially when the popular narrative was, “Ugh, Minot? Good luck.”
But slowly, those thoughts became normal. Then they became real. And before I knew it, they shaped my reality. I really did find favorite places. I found more to do than I ever expected. I found deep relationships within the community.

My mindset made it easier to connect with what was good—and that made a bigger difference than any weather pattern or zip code ever could.

Now, those thought patterns are strong. They’re well-worn, like a favorite trail. They’re the default. I expect to find joy, fun, and friendship—and because that’s what I’m seeking and expecting, I always end up finding it.
But here’s the thing: I’m not unique. This applies to you, too.

About six months ago, a friend said something I haven’t been able to shake: “Be part of creating the community you want to live in.”

It’s such a clear and beautiful way to say something I deeply believe.
We can’t always choose our circumstances, but we can choose how we show up in them—and the story we create within them. We can always choose to be part of building something beautiful.

That might look like:
• Volunteering for projects you’re passionate about
• Going to that thing, even if you don’t know anyone yet
• Starting a group you think the community is missing
• Supporting local businesses
• Inviting the new neighbor over for coffee
• Telling someone else about a good experience you had in town

Community isn’t something you stumble into; It’s something created—one small action at a time.
I’m not suggesting toxic positivity or pretending hard things aren’t hard. Pain will always be part of the human experience. But I’ve learned that what you look for, you’ll find.
If you tell yourself there’s nothing to do—guess what? You’ll prove yourself right.
If you say you’ll never make friends—you’ll probably stay isolated.
But if you flip that script, even just a little—everything changes.
There is a lot to do here. There are good people here. There is beauty, culture, history, connection, and adventure—no matter where you are.

That’s the truth. It doesn’t mean every moment is magical. But it does mean your experience gets better when you decide to take part in shaping it.

So, why do I like Minot?
Because I live here.
And I want to love where I live.
And friend—you can, too.