Columnist bids a fond farewell after 17 years
Cecilia Pita says she's made the difficult decision to step back
Dearest Chronicle Reader,
They say Basset Hounds have the second-best nose in the canine world. Well, back in 2008, my very social hound Luna sniffed out a fantastic opportunity when, during one of our walks, she used her low centre of gravity to drag me towards a couple of Corgi brothers, Winston and Andrew. That chance meeting led to this column. Well, technically it was their dog mom Paula, who introduced me to Sharleen Tattersfield, editor of the Manor Park Chronicle at the time. However, if it hadn’t been for Luna’s determination to meet some fellow short-legged, long- backed friends, who knows if I would have gotten the opportunity to write for my community?
Over the years, my goal has been to connect the dots about the importance of manners in today’s world by sharing personal and professional stories. I’ve conveyed my belief that while it’s always good to know the rules, like which fork to use, it’s more important to be kind, courteous and considerate. If you act this way, most people will overlook your mistake if you do happen to make a faux pas.
Treating each other with kindness and respect does have a ripple effect. It does make a difference. It does make our days better and it does improve relationships.
Thoughtfulness
In that same vein, I’ve encouraged thoughtfulness, courtesy and self-improvement, and the golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated. Manners, or how we treat one another, are intrinsically linked in our everyday interactions and can make us stand out in a positive way. The smiles, handshakes, pleases and thank you’s are powerful and make positive impressions. While none of these things cost a penny, they can make someone’s day, and yours too. I’ve even tried to inspire living with gratitude and the value of presence over presents.
This column has also been a vehicle for sharing business and dining etiquette rules. My hope is that it has helped people move through life with a little more polish, perhaps get noticed for all the right reasons, and maybe even get promoted.
Manners evolve
It’s been important to recognize manners evolve with the times. Certain rules have lost their relevance, and technology is ever-changing. But when in doubt about how to act, we should always go back to the basics and ask ourselves if our actions are respectful and considerate.
It’s easy to get caught up in life and have blinders to the outside world, but being self-centered weakens our connections and ultimately leaves us alone. Sometimes we just need to step outside of our comfort zone, let others in, and be social. We are social creatures, after all!
To that end, I don’t have the words to express how much I appreciate and am grateful for meeting readers in person. It might be a neighbour, someone at my exercise class, or a chance meeting with someone from another neighbourhood who happened upon the Chronicle who gives me feedback about an article that spoke to them. It fills my heart to know there are like-minded people out there who genuinely enjoy Etiquette Matters. Your enthusiasm is my motivation. Thank you so much for your readership these past 17 years. Truly.
Time to step back
After much reflection, I’ve decided to take some time and step back from writing this column. I’m approaching that age when life is nudging me to reflect on past experiences, re-prioritize, and start musing about what the future holds. It was a difficult decision because this column has been part of my identity for so long, but while shaking things up feels necessary (and a little scary), I’m excited for the future.
Whatever the next chapter brings, know that I will always be an ardent advocate for kindness and manners. Who knows where and when we may meet again?
Until then, take really good care of each other. Start each day with a few calming deep breaths so it’s easier to be kind and patient throughout the day. And, finally, scroll through your countless photographs, print out those wonderful moments with friends and family that make you smile and put them up as reminders of all the good in our lives — we need more of that.
Wishing you warmth, love and joy this holiday season, and beyond.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Cecilia