The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Lately, I have heard Steve make reference to this concept of being “Iowa nice”. He has used it to illustrate examples of helping others but also of not standing up for ourselves. I would like to focus on the first part of helping others. I love the fact that we support each other and help each other when we can. If that is being “Iowa nice” than I say absolutely, I want to be a part of that.
There is nothing like extreme weather to bring out the “Iowa nice” in all of us. We have seen it countless times across the State when severe weather hits. Whether it be a tornado or a blizzard, people tend to come together to help each other. Yesterday was a perfect example as I heard countless stories of helping each other out during the blizzard just because it was the right thing to do. I know that Rick not only cleared snow for our block, but also hauled his snow blower around town to help out friends. While he was working on our next door neighbor’s driveway, Maryann Lohse’s husband came over to help him so it could get done faster. This is just one small example from yesterday. It is this kind of “Iowa nice” that truly makes the world a better place. We are living examples of paying it forward and for that I am not only grateful, but proud to be from Iowa.
So this week, I encourage you to reach down deep and pull your “Iowa nice” to the forefront and pay it forward. It is an incredible feeling and truly makes the world a better place.
I could be on 52nd and Third in Manhattan and ask a stranger for directions and they might help you. Your car breaks down in the middle of Iowa or somewhere, or Tennessee where I'm from, people want to help each other. Given each opportunity, you see how people come together. - Rodney Atkins
-Amy McDaniel, Belmond CEO
