Dino Laurel

Dear Residents of Vancouver:

I was walking down the streets of Vancouver today, and all I heard were conversations in different languages between people who were exploring our streets. Because today turned out to be a beautiful day, the internationals who have arrived into the city enjoyed what we enjoy regularly: a mild, cool, crisp, sunny day, with fantastic sights and scenery. While the international presence will be pleasing, the space that normally contains us will be air-tight. We will become frustrated with the long lines at the transit hubs, the queues at Starbucks, and the minimal space to walk through the city.

With that said, keep your emotions in check, because we are hosting a world-class event. Please don’t take this experience away from our guests.

I say this because I was meandering through the crowds trying to reach my destination, and I am became frustrated. I had to pause for a moment, and ask myself, “Why am I becoming red?” I had no actual reason to be peeved. Sure, the growing crowds on the street were impeding my path, and I was in a rush for no apparent reason, but this is no reason to become frustrated.

I realized that I must exercise patience.

I will eventually reach my destination. I have all the time in the world. In a city that is becoming hustle and bustle (sadly just like Toronto), I sometimes fail to remember that I am a master of our my own life. I can actually plan ahead and anticipate the delays. It is rather weak on my part to let the crowds frustrate me.

So here’s my suggestion for you (and especially myself): Plan ahead. Be Patient. Smile and drop your shoulders.

Residents of Vancouver, just remember, the onus is upon our shoulders to provide our international guests and welcoming invitation and stay in our beautiful city. This begins with our attitudes and our behaviors. If we allow ourselves more time to complete tasks and rudimentary actions, we’ll be less stressed. Then hopefully when Sochi 2014 happens, the Russians will express the same sentiment when we come in droves.

Sincerely,

Dino Laurel