Whilst reading and studying the Transition Handbook, I can across the concept of creating a positive vision of the future. Now I do try and write with a positive vision in mind when I compile with my How To posts, and trying to capture the essence of what I do, but sometimes I fall into the trap of doom and gloom which simply alienates people.
This is why I wrote my latest post over at the Simple Green Frugal Coop, titled “Creating A Positive Vision of The Future“.
As this is my main post for the day, please pop on over and let me know what you think via a comment. Any feedback is appreciated.
Gavin
Thank you for the positive post. You are, without question, correct in that all the negativity and doom and gloom is in essence making people stick their heads in the sand, or as I humorously envision, sticking their fingers in their ears and singing la-la-la. I’ve almost gotten to that point myself here of late with all the news of rights being taken away from the food we eat, and even grow, so to take on even more bad news regarding oil, and basically who runs the world – so to speak – is really more than I can handle. Kudos to you, Gavin, for spreading a little sunshine and encouraging positive history making for all future mankind.
Thanks Sher. Positivity sells the message much easier than a negative one.
I can handle some doom & gloom! I don’t feel doom & gloom all the time, but when I do, it is nice to know others out there feel the same way as me. I think sometimes things are given way too positive a spin. But yes, trying to maintain some hope and some direction to move forward is so important. I won’t be painting a positive future in every thing I do or post about though. It’s just not realistic! (Not saying others cannot, just that I know myself). I do recommend people read Paul Gilding’s ‘The Great Disruption’. I believe there will be hard times & upheaval during transitioning phases, but there is hope of a better world than what we live in now!
It is a great book, and I like Paul Gilding’s message. It does come with struggle and hardship, but ends in hopefulness.
Great photo Mate !!!!!
Popping over to SGFCo-op now to have a read
All the best to you and Family
Cheers Phil, I think I took it when you lived here! It was just after the drought broke, and I was so happy that I was dancing in the streets, and saw this beautiful rainbow with the pot of gold appearing as my solar panels. How apt, now that I am credit on my electricity bill all the time!
Gav
I look forward to reading the article. I was thinking about that last night as my daughter who is studying the environment, world wars, biofuels etc at school at the moment has got to the point of why? Is it greed? Is there no way to change things? I need to show her and her brothers that there are positives above what we do ourselves at home.
Yes greed is one off the issues, but really it boils down to our economic system of exponential growth. We just don’t have enough planets to accommodate our current way of life so scaling back via a soft energy descent is the only way ahead of us. But it will be one of the most amazing periods in our history!
Gav
Hi Gavin,
As someone who is also into sustainable living, I have to admit I skip a lot of blogs now because I can’t handle the doom and gloom stuff. Being informed is important, but sometimes it can get too much. Much prefer to focus on postive action that I can take – stuff that I can do.
Another book that you might be interested in is Eco Mind – I got if from the library – it may be in your library too. In it the author questions a lot of commonly held eco beliefs and it’s a very positive book (and my favourite part: the footnote section is almost as long as the actual book 🙂 ).
BTW, I really enjoyed listening to your podcast on your journey to sustainable living – very inspiring. I’m now quite interested in building our own little off the grid solar battery (DH, not so enthused 🙂 ). Thanks. I put a link to it in my latest newsletter.
Melissa
Thanks Melissa. Sounds like a great book, I will seek it out. Also, I signed up for your newsletter, which is a great idea by the way. Could you please send me the latest copy?
Gav