Is your cup half full or half empty? This is a question I ask myself when times are tough. I have been accused of having a Pollyanna outlook on life. My answer is yes. I am a born optimist. I try to see the positive in life and not dwell on the negative.
I often say I am lucky to live in Colorado. Decades ago, I left Durango briefly and found a job in another community. My new bosses eagerly talked about Durango in loving tones and told me how much they longed to live in the town where I had lived. As I sat listening to these accomplished lawyers, a light bulb went on in my brain.
I had a job in Durango. I had a place to live in Durango. And, no matter how empty my cup seemed, I could make it in Durango if that was what I really wanted. I flew back to Durango and never looked back!
Recently, the City Council drove to Breckenridge for the Colorado Municipal League. I was at the Mayor’s Mingle, listening to the mayors of Fort Collins, Denver and other towns share common experiences. No matter the size of our towns, we all had common concerns; but as I listened, Durango’s list was shrinking compared to what I heard from the others. Everyone I met complimented Durango. They loved the historic downtown, the pristine river running through the town, the friendly people, the great shops, restaurants, music, art, bike trails, cobalt blue skies, clear air and beautiful land surrounding our homes.
I beamed like a proud parent. I felt like I was in a movie. My cup was full.
I met many dedicated elected officials who tirelessly serve their cities. Gov. John Hickenlooper spoke of Durango at a luncheon attended by 800 officials and staff members. He told the audience about our beautiful storefronts and busy downtown shops. My ears were tingling. His compliments were like ribbons dancing in the air that noon. Totally spontaneous but very real words were exciting to hear from a man who travels to many corners of Colorado.
Upon my return, I drove down Main Avenue to witness again the Durango others spoke about in Breckenridge. What was happening that made our town so special? I saw smiling tourists with maps on street corners. I saw colorful flower baskets dangling from poles. I saw overflowing yellows, oranges and magentas in their green urns decorating Main Avenue. I saw art in unexpected places. The downtown streets were bustling with life, and I knew I was lucky to live in this unique town.
At the grocery store, I saw folks I know and friendly staff saying hello to all who entered. In my neighborhood, I saw the street department installing some of the 237 American with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps that will make life easier for many of my friends and neighbors. I was eager to be on my street and back home.
Durango is a destination. Durango is a vacation. Durango is home. Yes, we have our differences of opinions on many issues, but what we do have is a great place to live, work and raise our children.
Sometimes, we all need to get away to remember what we really have in Durango. Durango is a caring community with real people in real neighborhoods.
Yes, my cup is full.
Sweetie Marbury is the mayor of Durango, a position rotating among members of City Council. She was elected to City Council in 2011 and will serve as mayor until April 2015, when she will be succeeded by now-Mayor pro tem Dean Brookie. Reach her at SweetieMarbury@ DurangoGov.org.
