The Discovery network’s “Edge of Alaska” is a reality series that shows us what it is like to live in a harsh and unforgiving region. The lifestyle, culture and mindset is different than in most other parts of the United States. Many of the luxuries that we enjoy in more developed parts of the country aren’t as available and life is harder in McCarthy, Alaska. We learn many life lessons from the show and here are the top five.
1. Some things are worth more than money
We learn this from Neil Darish. He’s tried very hard to turn McCarthy into a profitable tourist location. Neil wants to keep the town authentic and offer attractions that people from the outside will want to visit. He’s bartered with local land owners and tried to keep the town intact, even though his business partner is intent on selling his interest. The two together, own most of the town. Although Neil is getting up there in years, he’s still fighting valiantly to preserve the town of McCarthy and keep it on the map. He’s attempting to grow the town into a venture that will be sustainable and we’ve seen him work hard and put his own money into the town just to realize this dream.
2. Sometimes you have to let go and adapt to inevitable change
This is another lesson that we learn from Darish. He shared his opinions on the show and the town recently. In reflecting on his strategies to turn the town around, he explains that he had a certain vision about how to get the story of the town out to the world. He learned that there is more than one way to do it. Although he isn’t fond of the way that the show makes him look at times, he accepts the fact that it’s still a good way to advertise McCarthy and let people know what it’s all about. Darish said, “I’ve learned to let go of what I think is right and accept lots of different ways to tell what McCarthy is all about.” We can all benefit from taking this approach because sometimes our way isn’t the most effective way and we need to consider that other people may have better ideas.
3. When plans don’t work out you need to keep trying
Not everything that Darish has tried to put McCarthy on the map has worked out. Throughout the show we’ve witnessed some valiant efforts that he’s made. He didn’t plan on his partner bailing out and leaving him in a financial crisis. He’s worked hard to turn the town into a tourist attraction and he seems to experience one setback after another. He could have given up multiple times, but instead, he weighs his options, and makes a new plan. The town is up for sale to the highest bidder and this could change the lives of the residents forever. He’s selling off properties that he owns to raise the money needed to accomplish his goals and vision for the town. Even when the deck is stacked against him, Darish just doesn’t quit.
4. With teamwork and cooperation you can achieve your goals
We learn this from Jeremy Keller. He moved to McCarthy in 1999 with a big dream. Wanting to escape the rat race of modern society, he and his family set up a homestead in the wilderness. Their life goal is to establish a homestead that will be totally self-sustaining. We’ve followed his story and watched him glean from the meager resources and slowly, year by year, build up his homestead by raising a herd and building it bigger and better each year. Last season, he acquired a piece of abandoned equipment to clear his land. Now, he can grow the feed needed for his livestock. The family makes most things that they need from what they raise. They make extra to sell to the locals to bring in more money to buy the things that they can’t raise. They barter goods and work with neighbors, but there is a longstanding rivalry between Keller and Darish. We learn that even though there are obstacles, when you work together, you can accomplish almost anything.
5. Life is about constant change
We can’t stop the world around us from changing because change is the one constant. If we want to reach our goals we must learn to adapt. We’ve seen examples of this life necessity as Darish learns that he must let go of some beliefs and learn to try other ways to reach his goals. Keller has had to make alterations along the way in reaching his dream of a fully sustainable farm, including working with Darish. As much as he doesn’t want to depend on anyone else to make a life, he has no choice. He can’t raise everything that he needs to have a comfortable life. Even the way of life for McCarthy residents is being threatened. The town could be sold to an outsider who will change the face of the town and bring in hordes of tourists, as is the goal of Darish. “Edge of Alaska” is embarking on its final season. It too will come to an end, and fans will no longer have the joy of following the stories of the cast. We learn that life is about change because it comes whether we want it or not.
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