5 Things Only Living in Arizona Teaches You

There are certain things you can only learn about a place by living there. When I first moved to Arizona, I was shocked at some of the unusual things the state offered and how quickly I lost my preconceived notions of the state.

I've been in Arizona for over three decades now, so the way we live life here may have changed my DNA. Here are five things that I learned when I moved to the Grand Canyon State, and I think you can only learn them by living here.

Arizona's Monsoons Are Spectacular

Monsoons are Spectacular. You don't realize exactly how amazing the Arizona monsoons are until you experience them. Every summer afternoon, the big, fluffy clouds roll in.

READ: 5 Things That Will Make You Love Arizona

They bring rain, sometimes strong downpours, lightning, and thunder. The drama is intense, and the parched Arizona desert takes it all in. A 'good' monsoon season helps everything grow and refills our water tables.

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Arizona Monsoon Season: Flooding Happens Fast!

I learned flooding can happen fast! I took this photo right after a monsoon dumped less than an hour's worth of rain in Cochise County. The main streets were flooded, and many drivers were looking for an alternative route to their destination.

The washes filled so quickly that this ambulance got caught in the flooding. This happened in under an hour, proving flooding can happen extremely fast in Arizona.

Earthing Isn't for Everyone

Recently, there has been a big push toward the Earthing Movement. If you haven't heard of this, earthing is the practice of directly connecting the body with the ground, with the idea the practice provides health benefits.

READ: The Best Places to Find Arizona’s Secret Wildflower Blooms

In Arizona, connecting barefoot with the ground means you'll probably connect with something that pokes or bites. Cactus thorns, mesquite branches, and scorpions are some of the dangers of going barefoot. I learned earthing isn't for everyone!

Arizona's Mountains and Sunsets are Breathtaking

Arizona has the most beautiful sunsets! When the sun turns to liquid gold and drips behind our beautiful mountains, we take photos. Some of us take pictures every day because we will never get enough of the beauty!

In Arizona, Water is a Precious Resource

Water is a precious resource in Arizona. Even though flooding can happen fast, we go through extended periods of drought, and water conservation is always at the top of our minds.

We carry water bottles to hydrate in the dry heat and carefully choose when and how much water to use in our gardens and other applications.