How can one entire country be so nice? I watched every minute of live Olympic Games television coverage I could and what I couldn’t, I taped for later viewing. I did my morning stretching exercises while watching Matt, Meredith and others do the Today show from Vancouver. I read numerous writers accounts of various events and athletes as well as restaurant and pub reviews. I did not see, hear or read one negative comment about the people of the host country. Not one!
They publicly announced their intention to dominate the podium. Nothing wrong with that. Nice people can be competitive. Let’s get it on during the competition but shake hands afterwards. I love that attitude. It’s almost as if at some time prior to the opening of the Games, someone got everyone in the entire country of Canada into a huge gymnasium and said “OK, listen up guys. Here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to smother with kindness everything that breathes. If it has two arms and two legs ask them if you can help them, can I give your directions, how is your day going or anything that will make them feel welcome in our country. When they depart we want them to have a warm feeling about us and our great land. Now get out there with a smile on your face and go get ‘em.”
How else can you explain such an across the board sense of gratitude toward the people of Canada? Could it possibly be that they simply are that nice? If so, what a lesson for all of us. What a noble goal to strive for, whether it is our personal lives, our business or our country.
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Woody,
ReplyDeleteI could not believe in you more---I know you love the USA more than life itself---however, what do you think about running for the UN spokemen of the world!!! Your mind and heart are what the world needs today.
Love,
Your best friend, Terry
I wonder what it is about Canada. When I went to Toronto for work, I expected the same harsh corporate environment where its every man for himself. Everyone from the customs officers, cab drivers, people I worked with, people I didn't even know - they were all so friendly! And so polite. If you say 'thank you' they say 'you're welcome' they don't say 'uh huh, yep, yeah, FU, or whatever'. They actually say 'you're welcome' And the city was so clean! No graffiti on the freeway signs, no trash or litter on the side of the road, just clean. Everyone was genuinely friendly. Maybe it’s because there are so many animals and so much undeveloped and open space. It just feels peaceful.
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