It is undeniable that there is a buzz in the air, the sort of electricity that comes with action and momentum and a large scope of possibility.

Driving down Harbour Road, I saw a handwritten sign posted: Crew Wanted, with a telephone number. It gave me a thrill — one call and off to a world of adventure. It just struck me as one more indication that exciting things are afoot on our little island.

This energy is not unfamiliar, but I haven’t felt it here in a while. Bermuda used to feel like this a lot when I was growing up: busy with tourists, alive with activities and somehow fresher and brighter than it has been of late. Now I notice folks making more of an effort again, making things look nice, putting themselves out there and in the way they treat others.

And I just wanted to take this opportunity to say, thank you! These efforts are not going unnoticed or unappreciated. On so many occasions this past month, my heart has been warmed: watching people take time to connect with others despite their busy days, extending welcome or help to visitors; there’s jolliness in the air. I’ve admired the volunteers who have made so many recent events possible and have been appreciating all the little details that create such a pleasant and positive impact — colourful flowers (despite the dry weather), additional services and amenities, freshly painted ... well, everything. Details that have taken energy, time and thoughtfulness.

I think I’d forgotten just how good we are at this and it appears to come so naturally.

I went up to the America’s Cup village the first Saturday. Between us, I hadn’t planned on going at all. The thought of the crowds and the logistics overwhelmed me, and sailing doesn’t particularly float my boat (pun very much intended). But a friend called last minute with spare tickets and I thought I’d better make the effort, just to say I’d done it. I didn’t expect much.

Well did I eat some humble pie! From the moment we arrived, even in the parking area, the welcome couldn’t have been friendlier: smiles, courtesy, assistance at every turn; the organisation was tight and the logistics smooth and hassle-free. Despite the numbers, the village didn’t feel overcrowded and there was lots to see and enjoy. I particularly loved the comfy beanbag seating area while my son enjoyed the kids’ play zone. And while I might generally be nonplussed by sailing, the commentators do such a good job of bringing these races to life that I couldn’t help but get caught up in the excitement, and have been following it since.

I’ve even booked tickets to go back again.

I was so impressed. Everyone involved and working up there deserves a round of applause — it was world class and I’m ashamed that I had had my doubts. I am so proud of what this island has done, how we have risen to the occasion, irrespective of how it may have been viewed. Not just with the America’s Cup but with all the other recent occasions, having the Tall Ships here, the Bermuda Day Parade, etc.

Every time cameras roll, I see how outrageously beautiful this island and our people are, and I am so grateful to have been reminded of that. Thank you to everyone who continues to bring their sparkle and make Bermuda shine!

* Julia Pitt is a trained success coach and certified NLP practitioner on the team at Benedict Associates. For further information contact Julia on 705-7488, www.juliapittcoaching.com.