About two weeks ago I stood in front of a group of Minot’s leaders at the Military Affairs Committee (MAC) meeting. A PowerPoint I’d probably spent too much time perfecting projected behind me. My palms were sweaty. I’d known about this day for a long time, and here it was.

More than anything I wanted the words that I spoke and the message I had prepared to be useful. I was speaking on why I have such a positive perspective on living in Minot. But to me, the assignment was deeper. This was a message about how choosing to craft an uplifting narrative about wherever we find ourselves impacts the health and happiness of our community—both on and off base.

This is a message I am completely sold on. I believe it to my core. When we intentionally create a better story about our lives, our minds are free to focus on what’s really important. Instead of expending vital energy on bemoaning where we are, or counting down the days until circumstances change, we are able to fully live—as the whole humans we were created to be. When we aren’t consumed with comparison, and complaint, we show up more vividly for our jobs, families, friends, education and even strangers on the street.

This was the message I wanted to bring the committee. But there were questions bouncing around my head. Would anyone resonate with this? Could I explain it? Who was I—someone not from around here—to speak to our community leaders?

Well, friends. It resonated. The message I wanted to bring was well received by military and civilian leaders, alike. The response I got after speaking at the MAC meeting was incredible. And it left me feeling grateful to live in a place where the leaders care so deeply about the people who call Minot home—whether for a few years, or forever.

You may not see it up close, but the people serving in leadership positions in the Magic City are thinking, rethinking, and dreaming up ways to make our spot on the map one we can all easily be proud of.
At the end of my presentation I offered four actionable steps anyone can take to create a more positive narrative about Minot. I’ll wrap up by sharing them with you, too.

1. Empathize and encourage.
   Minot, ND may not be everyone’s ideal place to live. Some people may not want to stay here forever and ever—and that’s okay! We can empathize with those who are homesick for something else, or longing for a different climate. We can encourage them to take hold of what Minot can offer—ample opportunity to take part in a quirky culture, time to focus on educational goals, or even just time to practice cultivating a resilient and positive mindset that will serve them long after they move away from the 701 area code.
2. Be curious.
   Be curious about the pain points of others. Be curious about the pain points you feel hung up on. What is it you/they are looking for? Is it really that you wish we had a Chick-fil-a, or is it that you just miss having a go-to fast food order? Be especially curious about the locals and the transplants that choose to stay. What do they know that you don’t? What is it that keeps them here year after year?
3. Use your words.
   Words have meaning. The words you use to describe your life here will impact you, and those around you. Your words set the tone for your experience—and the experience of your spouse and children. Choose your words wisely. Practice reframing negativity (ie, “I can’t stand the cold…”) into something honest, but positive, (ie, “Winters are harsh, but the summers are fantastic!”)
4. Focus on the family.
   Focus on your family unit as a place to start breaking the cycle of negativity that comes so easily in Minot. Do not set a precedent of counting the days until you can PCS, or making snide remarks about how there’s “nothing to do here.” That will squelch your contentment and you’ll miss out on precious days of your life that could have been lived in joy.
   Just as I hoped my words were helpful at the MAC meeting. I hope they are helpful to you, too. This is a good place. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s intentionally see some good this week.
   For more on living in positivity, peace, and contentment in all life’s circumstances—and stories of my life in Hotdish Land, join me on Instagram (@amy_allender) and Facebook (@amyallenderblog.