Don’t be a sorry city

I’m so sorry you had to come here of all places.

We’re a bit of dead-faced crowd.

You can’t possibly be one of us, you’re too nice!

These are just a few of the comments I received when I got off the stage speaking at a conference. It surprised me that the majority of people who came up to thank me, in the same breath put themselves or their city down.

Pride of place. What does it take to love and regard the place you’re in? Your home, your city, your office, your sports team, your family, your community centre.

It takes self-respect. You will love the place around you when you can hand on heart love and respect yourself. Then everything around you is seen in a different view.

Possibility.

Acceptance.

Worthy.

Pride.

Welcoming.

Sharing.

Don’t be a sorry city. Look up and within. Because you know what I saw? Clever, warm, funky. Nothing sorry about it at all.