Know what I think of Cristiano Ronaldo, the dainty and flamboyant — some women might call him yummy — forward for Portugal and Real Madrid?
Neither does he.
Chances are, however, even if he did, the multi-talented, multi-millionaire universally famous 29-year-old wouldn’t give a whiff of a half-thought to my estimation. The kid is too busy succeeding and imposing his will on life to give much juice to what I and other detractors have to say about him.
Some Chula Vistans could learn something from that guy: haters are going to hate and winners are going to win. (Though there’s no way in the world Crudnaldo is going to hoist the World Cup trophy over his head while playing for Portugal.)
Winners win no matter what the losers say.
I hope next time residents and city officials get together to discuss why the rest of the county has a misinformed and negative perception of Chula Vista they remember that tiny phrase.
Not long ago I visited a morning forum that explored the “good, bad and wrong” of Chula Vista. The event was held after the City Council recently heard a report that most residents outside of the city had a negative perception of Chula Vista.
On the one hand, encouraging residents to come together was a pleasant exercise in venting and self assessment. It’s good to take stock of strengths and weaknesses and devise ways to improve a public persona.
But other than reassuring pats on the back and feel-good exercises, what’s the point other than applying salve to a wounded ego?
Yes, perception plays a role in how others relate to you in business and social affairs. But ultimately it’s up to you to be confident in who you really are — whether you’re an elite world-class footballer or a city located between Mexico and Los Angeles.
Anyone who spends significant time here knows what Chula Vista has to offer: clean and safe streets, decent schools, diversity and more affordable housing than San Diego.
They also know that, unlike San Diego, there is not much to do. It’s a quiet city that’s a nice place to house out-of-town visitors after spending exciting hours at SeaWorld, the zoo, the beaches and Gaslamp.
When and if they want to be the next thriving hot spot in the county, residents will elect the people who will implement the policy that will bring on that dynamic change.
If, on the other hand, the people who live here are happy with their quiet and safe lives, they’ll keep doing what they do. It’s worked so far.
Chula Vista and its inhabitants will be the kind of city they want it to be, regardless of what outsiders believe — a nice place to call home. Who cares what others think of you. Haters going to hate, winners going to win.
