One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.
So the conversation came up today as to whether I would want to be a big fish in a little pond or a little fish in a big pond.
I have always believed that it would be more interesting being a big fish in a small pond. Or even better, a medium fish in a well stocked, well lit, warm pool of vibrant yet laid-back, easy going life. The kind of place that still takes volunteer librarians and fire fighters but can dish out a mean curry and a spicy chai.
For some reason I have thought that life would feel more relevant if I had the opportunity to do something great in a small community. Like build a new library. Or start a new festival. Or launch a new tourism plan. Something that everyone in the community knew about and felt it was benefiting their life. A legacy to the history of Volunteerchai Village.
For some reason I have thought that the same activities in a city of 600,000 (in a region of approx. 2 million) wouldn't seem to be as big of a benefit. There are lots of libraries, festivals and plans.
Tonight, my friend Faye rightly challenged my thinking and changed my mind.
She has been working for years on building the new facilities for the Phoenix gymnastics club in Vancouver. Turns out that 6,000 people now use the new Millennium Sport Centre, including indoor bowling, kickboxing, cheerleading, "wee gymnasts" and more. It is now recognized as the best facility in Western Canada with Olympic calibre programming.
So, what makes a greater difference, helping 2,000 people in Volunteerchai Village or helping 6,000 people in Vancouver?
Red fish, blue fish. Same same but different. 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other. Call it what you will. The important part is contributing to your community, regardless of size, colour, or specialty. The greater difference is only make when people like Faye step up and do their part.
What have you done to step up and help your community?
3 comments:
This call to participate, support and otherwise get involved has been an underlying motivator for me. Now that the dust is settling from the big move(s), it's time to think seriously about what that looks like. Thanks for the reminder!
So, would you rather be a great sports star for a team sport or individual sport......would you pull the wings of a butterfly for a million dollars? This reminds me of a game I played where you answered moral questions.....sounds good, until you factor in the fact that your family and buddies call you on the answers....not recommeded for people who are looking for peace.
Thank you for Phoenix gymnastics!!! Cordelia goes there and loves it. I especially love the fact that I'm not watching her while freezing my butt off on a soccer field, there is a great Farmer's market right next door at Nat Bailey stadium on Wednesdays (only until the end of October, sorry!) and I love walking through the Queen Elizabeth gardens or window shopping on Main Street. Oh boy, went off on a tangent there. Yay Faye!
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