The strength of Canada’s values and heritage
I recently found myself in the midst of a nervous, unexpected conversation. The two couples are discussing politics surrounding patio drinks and dinners at restaurants. I wasn’t going to get involved, but something was hyped up to me. I said, “Oh, I’m Canadian,” one woman said, “Canada has never been on my destination travel list. I’ve heard your ‘Yes’. I smiled and said, “It’s beautiful. There’s a great view. I’ve heard your ‘huh’ too. ” She shrugged. Another man said, “I don’t care about Canada. I’m not Canadian.” And that wave of pride, I was humiliated.
What did I want to say? “Thanks for the goodness. We don’t want you.” What did I actually say? “I’m not an American and I don’t want to be,” but was I supposed to say? Reader, weight, if it is, what is the correct response? Are there any responses that leave room for connection? Have you ever had a response from Canada? “Shouldn’t we all care about each other? We have all our people, our families, our history, our hope.” That moment stayed with me. Not just what I was told, but how it reflected me. We hear things. We don’t belong to us, but we still have the weight of conversation that deeply affects us. Sometimes we engage. Sometimes we don’t. But either way, we carry it.
Our beliefs, our pride, our identity rises to the surface whether we remain silent when we speak. That’s the choice: do I respond from emotions or with intention? Am I trying to defend or understand? Am I protecting my ego or maintaining my worth? Am I trying to convince you, or am I just showing who I am, or am I just responding in the heat of the moment?
As a Canadian and as a human being, I am still learning.
I’m still breathing these moments. Because empathy is not weakness. It’s strength. We don’t need to agree with everyone. I don’t even like what they say. But when we choose to empathize, we continue to maintain control. I choose curiosity over discussion. And it’s powerful. I’m proud to be Canadian. We are proud of our land, our heritage and our people. Lead when you are based on values and vision. And when the world forgets who we are, we continue to look with grace, strength and pride. That’s how we lead.
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