Living in Hayward
A vacationing visitor from Chicago recently said, "I wish I could just quit my job and live in Hayward full time. It would be like living in heaven!"
I smiled, and thought, "He doesn't know what it's like to live here!"
Later, relating this conversation to a Hayward native, I said, "Poor fellow doesn't realize that living in the northwoods is a far cry from vacationing here."
To this, my Hayward friend replied, "If that's the way it is for you, then you're doing it wrong."
"I think the citizens of Hayward ought to act like tourists," he continued, "We should take advantage of all our community has to offer! We should jump in the lake, canoe down the river, hike in the forest, go fishing, attend the Lumberjack Show, and buy candy at Trembley's. We should travel the bike path, go camping, have a feast at Famous Dave's, window shop on on Main Street, drive go karts, play mini-golf, and have homemade ice cream at West's Dairy"
"We live in a glorious place, and it's a sad shame if we don't make the most of it!"
His response hit me right between the eyes! Of course! Why didn't I see it before? Here we are, living in one America's most beautiful communities -- and we end up too busy to enjoy it.
My friend is really on to something. The good folks from Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa and Indiana are willing to drive for hours to get what we have in our own backyard! Let's take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!
One of the great things Hayward offers is a chance to slow down, relax and recharge. Nature provides a good place to reflect on life. We need to take advantage of that too.
Of course, we have to work to make a living -- but can't we work in context? Can't we pause, relax, and be grateful for living in such a beautiful place? Quiet reflection will improve both our work and attitude.
"Follow effective action with quiet reflection." said Peter Drucker, "From quiet reflection will come even more effective action."
I smiled, and thought, "He doesn't know what it's like to live here!"
Later, relating this conversation to a Hayward native, I said, "Poor fellow doesn't realize that living in the northwoods is a far cry from vacationing here."
To this, my Hayward friend replied, "If that's the way it is for you, then you're doing it wrong."
"I think the citizens of Hayward ought to act like tourists," he continued, "We should take advantage of all our community has to offer! We should jump in the lake, canoe down the river, hike in the forest, go fishing, attend the Lumberjack Show, and buy candy at Trembley's. We should travel the bike path, go camping, have a feast at Famous Dave's, window shop on on Main Street, drive go karts, play mini-golf, and have homemade ice cream at West's Dairy"
"We live in a glorious place, and it's a sad shame if we don't make the most of it!"
His response hit me right between the eyes! Of course! Why didn't I see it before? Here we are, living in one America's most beautiful communities -- and we end up too busy to enjoy it.
My friend is really on to something. The good folks from Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa and Indiana are willing to drive for hours to get what we have in our own backyard! Let's take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!
One of the great things Hayward offers is a chance to slow down, relax and recharge. Nature provides a good place to reflect on life. We need to take advantage of that too.
Of course, we have to work to make a living -- but can't we work in context? Can't we pause, relax, and be grateful for living in such a beautiful place? Quiet reflection will improve both our work and attitude.
"Follow effective action with quiet reflection." said Peter Drucker, "From quiet reflection will come even more effective action."
Amen and Amen.
ReplyDeleteHere's ONE Hayward Tourist who is a former resident and still WANTS to return.
Jimmy Stewart's character George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful LIfe" spent his time dreaming of leaving Bedford Falls. He called it "a crummy little town". And in the end found that people and friends are more important there where you live.
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