Word on the Street
Whatʼs your word on the street?
I pondered this question during a recent reflection on the power of words ... what our word choices say about us, how our words come to life through the decisions we make and the actions we take, and why it is a good idea to pay attention to the words being said about us and our families, communities, places of work, and organizations we support in pursuitof a better, more connected and compassionate world community.
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the bestselling novel “Eat, Pray, Love”, wrote about the notion of cities having one word that best describes its core personality, one word that evokes the very essence of what the city is about. Paris, for example, might have “LOVE” as its word, Vegas might pick “FUNʼ, while Rome might opt for “SPIRITUALITY”. Thinking about the potential to apply this “word on the street” thinking to inspire the individuals, teams, and organizations I come into contact with through my practice got me thinking, and especially with the connection to my own philosophy where clarity of purpose is the first step towards more meaningful living.
In preparing for this article, and with my “word on the street” perspective, I realized that Lions Bay provides a perfect example of this “word power” concept. When I first arrived in the village, my new neighbours on Lions Bay Avenue proudly welcomed me to their heaven on earth, which I later learned was the official tagline of my new community. I wondered about the word heaven, which conveyed to me an incredibly high benchmark given most peopleʼs notion of heaven as a perfect world. For me, it went beyond the spectacular settings and beautiful landscapes surrounding me ... it meant peace, and love, and connectedness, and acceptance, surrounded by people I love enjoying each otherʼs company, and singing beautiful music together.
As the years passed, and I learned more about my new home, my life took on a rhythm that included the best of our village ... sunset BBQing on the beach, making music with friends at the waterʼs edge, walking the dog through the trails behind the school, kick-starting my day with coffee and conversation at the cafe, catching up with people at the firefighter fundraiser, creating Christmas wreaths with my Bay girls from the spoils of our neighbouring forest ... and, suddenly, it struck me. I WAS living heaven on earth, right here, right now, moment by moment ... the aspirations promised upon my arrival had become an integral part of my life rhythm, and not only did I feel privileged to have such gifts ... I was inspired to “play it forward” and do my part in making our brand of heaven on earth come to life, wherever I found myself.
Could this be it? Could “HEAVEN” be our word on the street in Lions Bay? Were we delivering on our promise, and was it our word that helped us realize our vision day-to-day?
Heaven ... to me, itʼs the most perfect word for this community I love, as it so eloquently defines the essence of who Lions Bay is, and it invites residents to contribute to an experience that is so uniquely Lions Bay. Itʼs a point of pride for every individual who has ever lived here, and itʼs the feeling we take with us when we leave. Itʼs nurtured by the visions we remember outside our windows, the songs we recall hearing from the tides making their regular trips to the shoreline, the sound of childrenʼs laughter as they scampered home from school, the invitations to participate in whatever was happening at the hall, and so many other heavenly moments. Most of all, though, itʼs the warmth and welcoming nature we remember receiving from the people who call Lions Bay home that keeps this beautiful place, this heaven on earth, true to its vision, and worth passing on and sharing with others.
Lions Bay has its word on the street ... what about you?
Enjoy the reflection and discovery ... and if you feel like sharing, send your “Word On The Street” to me. Iʼd love to share the story your words tell!
Sharon is a former long-time resident and lifetime lover of Lions Bay, who proudly shares our heaven on earth message with the people she touches through her human capital management practice. Learn more about creating your own “word on the street”, and how to live it, by contacting Sharon at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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- Radio Controlled Car Club
May 22, 2012 (18:30)Please join this enthusiastic group of young and old at the Village Hall as they RACE with radio-controlled cars! No speed limit required.
I enjoyed your article and it did make me stop and think about the words we use to describe where we live. I don't know how it came about that our Coat of Arms says "Splendor in Serenity" and I wouldn't say Serenity is quite how I feel anymore as the years have progressed and noise has increased. Walking outside around the Village yesterday and seeing the pink color reflected on the white peaks of the Lions and the dolphins out near Kelvin Grove I found myself saying this is "Heaven on Earth".