Making the Most of Life in Canada

When Canada Day comes around every July 1 there are a number of thoughts that come to mind. Things such as the day off work, hot weather, going to the beach and fireworks are all associated with our national holiday.

But when it comes to thinking about our great country there are many ways to feel grateful and blessed for being born, growing up and living in Canada.

Because sometimes I can get a little worked about how we can take what we have for granted. For example, who has heard the expression the 'EI ski team'? I mean it's great that we have programs in place to help people out when they need it but often times there is abuse of these programs. Or we hear of people complaining of how disadvantaged they are. How they feel like they are owed something. How they won't vote because all politicians are criminals anyways so what's the point?

These kinds of attitudes drive me crazy. We live in a country of such abundance, opportunity and wealth that I really don't have any time for people that want to live in a world of 'woe is me' and constant complaining.

And so it is refreshing to meet someone who loves what we have here in Canada. Someone who recognizes opportunity and is willing to work to get ahead. And strangely enough this person is not even from Canada.

It was probably a few years ago that I met Magnus at a friend's party. And I can remember the guy smiling the whole time and having a blast. And I learned he was from Germany and used to be a professional snowboarder. I have gone up to Big White with him and witnessed first hand the crazy stunts and tricks he pulls off flying down the hill.

Since meeting that first time Magnus has now become a client at Okanagan Peak Performance Inc. I believe he joined the gym around the same week we were hosting one of our powerlifting meets. And so he decided to show and give it a try. I remember having the following conversation with Magnus the morning of the competition.

Me: Do you know how much you deadlift?

Magnus: No.

Me: Have you ever done a deadlift?

Magnus: No.

Me: Great, let's get started.

In the next hour Magnus was quickly shown how to deadlift and proceeded to pull 315 lbs. Sure it's not world record status but it's darn impressive for someone that learned the lift in the same day.

But it's not just his athleticism and competitiveness that impresses me about this guy. You see he moved to Canada and had to learn English. How do you think that would work out for all of us to reverse roles and try and start a career in Germany? This blog is PG so I can't begin to describe to you the sorts of things I would probably end up doing to make ends meet.

He not only picks up the language but starts his own business, buys a home, gets married and just had his first baby boy. All in Canada.

Not too shabby, eh?

Who would have thought it would take a guy from Germany to remind me how good we have it here and to go out there and work for what we want.

Congrats Magnus! Thanks for reminding all of us how to great it is here and how to live life to the fullest.

And Happy Canada to all of you. Especially of all our Armed Forces and service people.

Chris [fb-like]