5 Everyday Things We Do in Arizona That Make Us Amazing!

I've lived in a lot of places in my life. Traveling around the country and settling in for a while really gives you a real sense of what people in different places are like.

Making Friends in the Midwest

I loved living in the Midwest but found it often took a long time to make friends. Maybe that's because making friends there is a lifelong commitment. Once you cement your friendship, you're in it to win it, as they say.

I'm still friends with two sisters I met when I was in first grade. We're lifelong, and that's not likely to change. Even miles away, we still share our lives and visit often.

Making Friends "Out West"

After moving across the country to Arizona, I noticed making friends was slightly different. I'm not sure if it's the idea that people in Arizona and the West in general seem to be more transient. Or maybe it's the warmer weather. It's just easier to make friends in Arizona, I think.

If the weather is warmer, so are the people. They definitely warm up to strangers a lot sooner than folks "back east".

5 Everyday Things Arizona Does That Makes Living Here Better

There are a lot of things we do here that makes living in Arizona pretty great. This is not to say people around the country don't do these things, too. But these are everyday things we do in Arizona, and we don't think twice. And they make everyone's day a little brighter.

1. Helping Our Neighbors

I often notice the local social network Chit Chat groups seem to step up to help each other. We may not know all our neighbors, but when one is in need, we raise our hands and help however we can.

Need a little extra food this month? Can't pay all of your rent? Kids growing out of their clothes faster than you can replace them? There's someone who has a little extra, and they're ready to help.

2. Volunteering

Maybe it's the heavy military presence in some of our towns, but we in Arizona have a spirit of volunteerism. We know many hands make light work of any job, and we're here to make things easier.

3. Caring for Our Desert

I defy you to find a place on earth as unique as the Arizona-Sonora Desert. Or as special as the Sky Islands. Have you seen the Mogollon Rim? Arizona is magical and it's a joy to keep Arizona beautiful. We all work together to keep it lovely.

4. Holding the Door for a Stranger

We do a lot of big and small things for our fellow humans here in Arizona. Holding a door, helping someone carry a box, pulling in a neighbor's trash cans - these small acts of kindness add up to a lot.

5. Being Friendly and Helpful

Arizona is resplendent with so much sunshine, I think it rubs off on all of us. Sure, we have an occasional bad day. Mostly, we're friendly and ready to lend a hand whenever needed.