Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 34 : Fall 2017 | Page 12

It’s time to lose the defeatist attitude, fellow Northern
Mainers. If you want our region to thrive; if you want
the outmigration of young people to slow down; if
you want more businesses, special events, and cultural
attractions then a great starting point is to just stop.
Stop using language that suggests you’ve settled for
less than the best by living in Aroostook County. Stop
asking our newest residents, “Why in the world would
you ever move here?” Stop taking what we have for
granted and remember there are undoubtedly millions
of people around the world who, if given the chance,
would trade places in a heartbeat with any Aroostook
Countian.
Above all, please understand your words are influential.
In any given conversation, what you say and how
you say it can cement someone’s perceptions, good
or bad, for a lifetime. So, through our actions and
our communication, let’s boost our communities,
businesses, organizations, hospitals, schools, and civic
groups. Let’s speak highly of all the people, places, and
things that make our corner of the world extraordinary.
And let’s start doing this by stopping the use of the
j-word.
“Let’s be careful about the words we use and the words
we allow to be used in our homes. Words are things.
And they are powerful. They get into your walls, rugs,
furniture, clothes, and ultimately into you.”

~ Dr. Maya Angelou,

American poet and civil rights activist
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FALL 2017