Ever since the Kansas City Royals stole the World Series right before the New York Mets' eyes, I've held my head a little higher, smiled a little brighter, and told anyone who will listen about my hometown. I find myself hoping someone will ask where I am from just so I have the opportunity to respond with, "Kansas City. Home of the Royals? I don't know if you heard but we just won the World Series." The World Series was the wake-up call Kansas City needed, the teacher we have been waiting for since 1985, and the engine that fuels us now in the best city in the world. Let's take a moment to thank the boys in blue for teaching us a few lessons.

We aren't just part of a fly-over state.

Kansas City is the place to be. Let this serve as a reminder to our friends on either coast that we are so much more than hay bails, the Missouri River, and exquisite barbecue (but really, ask us about our barbecue). We won't let you forget about us just because we are sandwiched between Los Angeles and New York City. Come dance in the Power & Light District, walk your dog in Loose Park, and stroll the halls of the Nelson Atkins Museum -- you'll never want to leave.

Don't underestimate the little guy.

It's not all about a top-tier budget and empire. The Royals stole the crown with Midwestern charm and personality while on a middle-of-the-road budget. Don't let Salvador Perez's smile fool you -- Kansas City and the Royals are not messing around.

Never lose faith.

In 2014, we never thought we'd be crowding into Kauffman Stadium donned in our finest Royals down jacket and earmuffs for Game 7 of the World Series. Heading back just one year later, fueled from the momentum of that fateful night and propelled forward by unwavering fans, we were reminded that success is gradual. But boy, the wait was well worth it. Now go hug your friend who still loved the Royals in 2004 -- we owe them.

There's immense value in coming together.

Especially with 800,000 of your newest and closest friends. Who else gets to stand in a sea of royal blue, in the heart of the city, surrounded by friends and strangers alike, rallying behind the shared love of a team? This is our time.

(Forcing us to wonder why it hadn't happened sooner.)

And reminding us to keep it this way. We have never been stronger, and we have the Royals to thank for that. We cannot let them down by losing this hype – they got us here now it’s our job to stay put. Remember the Kansas Citians who’ve waited their entire lives for this.

We loved this city even before our baseball team was good.

From Kansas City Joe’s to 18th and Vine, to Google Fiber and all the way back to the Boulevard Brewery, let us never lose sight of how much we have, secretly or not so secretly, always held a passion for our city.

It's time to shout our love of our city from the rooftops.

You have the perfect excuse. So run out there and shout it from the top of the World War I memorial, from the corner booth at Winstead’s, or from your car window on I-435. C’mon, KC, let’s show ‘em what we’re made of.

Thank you for everything, Royals. We owe ya.