This morning a Facebook friend posted a story about how Grand Rapids, Michigan, dubbed one of America's "dying" cities, responded energetically, creatively, and positively to declare themselves very much alive.
The people I saw there were part of my inspiration to form Actively Creative. I don't mean to romanticize poverty or dismiss the serious issues around economic hardship here or anywhere in the world. But acknowledging all that, people and communities often find extraordinary solutions by focusing on how they can create their futures, rather than mourn the past.
When shared in a community, creativity is exponentially more positive and powerful. So bravo, Grand Rapids! You rock.
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| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPjjZCO67WI |
Boy, did I love that story. Last summer, I took a working vacation to a region of New York state declared dead somewhere back in the seventies, when industrial jobs left their area. What I found was a community of positive people who formed home businesses, grew food, and enjoyed the beauty of their region. Yes, they were comparatively poor; but no-one could say they were living desperate lives.
The people I saw there were part of my inspiration to form Actively Creative. I don't mean to romanticize poverty or dismiss the serious issues around economic hardship here or anywhere in the world. But acknowledging all that, people and communities often find extraordinary solutions by focusing on how they can create their futures, rather than mourn the past.
When shared in a community, creativity is exponentially more positive and powerful. So bravo, Grand Rapids! You rock.
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