What the US can learn from Arizona

Arizonans are a special breed, whether native or transplanted. We’re a mix-and-match amalgamation of souls, not unlike a zorse or a pomsky. But there’s an underlying thread — perhaps made of sparkly golden sunlight — that unites us all.

Here are some lessons that come naturally to Arizonans, from which the rest of the US could benefit from adopting.

1. Respect Mother Nature.

A post shared by Kristin Steiner (@kristinapril30) on May 3, 2018 at 4:49pm PDT

It’s almost as if she’s using Arizona to express her anger about how she’s being treated by the rest of the country. She has some seriously satanic creatures up her flowy Sedona bell sleeves. Like venomous pink lizards, black widow spiders, and feral, tusked, pig-like mammals itching to gouge your rib cage.

2. Heal ailments naturally.

A post shared by Chichimeca Crafts (@chichimecacrafts) on Feb 27, 2018 at 6:35pm PST

Not only is pot legal to ease certain conditions, but Arizonans take advantage of other local medicinal flora, too — mesquite, jojoba, cat’s claw, agave, etc. We even have seed packets on loan at our local libraries for those of us who want to raise our own healing garden.

3. Don’t fear the local cuisine.

A post shared by Javier Leocadio Colón (@hungryguyonabicycle) on May 12, 2018 at 10:38pm PDT

Yeah, tongue and head tacos and stomach-lining soup sound gross, especially from a run-down-looking truck that might or might not pass a health inspection. And we know that cactus-fruit candy sounds dangerous, but we like to take risks with our cuisine.

4. Obey road signs.

A post shared by TJ Homeschooling (@tjhomeschooling) on Mar 11, 2018 at 5:52am PDT

That blaring yellow “Do Not Enter When Flooded” diamond ain’t kidding around. Neither is the speed hump sign, the elk crossing signs, nor the earth fissure warnings down by Willcox.

5. Throw away the guidebook and ask a local.

A post shared by Ladera Taverna Y Cocina (@laderaaz) on Mar 26, 2018 at 1:47pm PDT

Arizonans know the best food, trails, and historical sites, and the secret back way to get there. In exchange for a few beers or maybe some mezcal, we’re happy to share.

6. Drink all the water.

A post shared by UNILAD Adventure (@uniladadventure) on May 15, 2018 at 10:02am PDT

You know someone’s a non-native when they strike out into the wilderness with a dinky 16-ounce bottle of water. Even if you’re only walking a mile, bring gallons!

7. Use sunscreen.

A post shared by Elizabeth. Betty. Liz. (@loveliveleaf) on May 15, 2018 at 10:04am PDT

UV light rays bore down powerfully through Arizona’s clear air. Whether in Glendale or Oak Creek, it’s as if we’re walking into a microwave on max every time we leave the casa. We don’t have a huge amount of choice in the matter, but sunscreen is an essential part of our daily routine.

8. Be active.

A post shared by Ayaka (@_hiraaya) on May 14, 2018 at 10:01pm PDT

With such topographical diversity, there’s no excuse to stay inside and Netflix it up. You can do that after a day of hiking, rafting, climbing, caving, skiing, swimming, cycling, or playing golf on one of our thousands of courses.

9. Honor your elders.

A post shared by Nicolette Dudek (@nicddkphoto) on May 10, 2018 at 9:22am PDT

Almost 17 percent of Arizonans are over 65. We have such a high percentage of the nation’s older folk (and retirement homes) that they make our economy function — and not just in wintertime when the snowbirds Winnebago in. Though their driver’s licenses might need to be revoked, the ancient ones sure keep the hospitals and estate sale shops stocked. It’s important to have gratitude for having an aged population here and let their pace remind you to slow down a bit (especially on the road!).


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