New Mexicans don't run around advertising our toughness like some of our neighbors do. But that's because we're the strong, silent types. We get stuff done and don't feel the need to yammer on about it. Here are some of the things that make New Mexicans strong.
1. Thanks to microclimates, our weather can change dramatically if we travel a mile down a road, so we have to be ready for anything.
2. During monsoon season, we have to handle extreme weather, like flash floods.
This photo is of Albuquerque.
3. We deal with forest fires on an almost annual basis.
This was the view from my neighborhood during the 2011 Las Conchas Fire.
4. We do a lot of outdoor activities which make us both physically and mentally tough.
5. While mining, ranching, and farming are less common occupations nowadays, many native New Mexicans are descended from people who performed these grueling jobs. Now those are some rugged genes!
6. There's a notable military presence in New Mexico. The men and women in our armed forces are the definition of tough.
7. We have dangerous wildlife here such as bears, snakes, and mountain lions.
This mountain lion was spotted in Bosque del Apache.
8. While we enjoy the convenience of cell phones and GPS, we aren't totally dependent on them. Parts of New Mexico are really remote, so we have to be able to function without technology.
9. Many of us live at high altitude. We're so badass that we run on less oxygen than those living at sea level!
10. As a state, we’re often overlooked, but we're too tough to care - we know that’s other people’s loss.
New Mexicans sure are resilient. Do you think we're tougher than people from other states?
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