Dear Optimists,

December 2, 2008

Dear Optimists,

It started last spring in a group of parents talking about ecological sustainability. I began to feel like we are probably living today at the peak of global travel, healthfulness, and wealth (defined in a broad sense). I wondered if my kids will enjoy the accessibility to the world and its resources that I enjoy.

In other words, I am curious about the future.

I go back and forth with how optimistic and pessimistic I feel, but one thing remains in tact. I am called to action. No matter how hopeful or not I am about the accessibility of fresh water, accessibility of food for people, and our continued use of carbon for fuel, I am going to make an effort today (and tomorrow) to make a difference.

A lot of people I have been talking to recently have been saying, “I am an optimist”. The implication being, I think, that everything will be okay. And I am always grateful for that perspective because it helps my motivation. But, I will admit that there is always part of me that gets uncomfortable and until this morning I could not figure out why. I now understand it.

Pessimistic Optimistic
No Action – “out there” – complacent
I. “It’s not worth it. I cannot make a difference.” II. “Everything will be okay. Even in bad times, things have always been okay.”
Action - “right here” – Inspired
III. Does this happen?
If so, it is hard because of a lack of passion or belief. IV. Here is where the difference gets made. Action with Optimism fuels on target, passionate, inspirational effort.


If you are an optimist that is great, and please, please, please join us in action. I guarantee that the kind of change that we need now is not just going to happen. If we let things just keep on happening we are not long for this world.

But, if we can be in action working to make a difference and consistently feel like our effort is having an impact (or that it even has a chance to have an impact) then we will keep going. But, if we begin to feel like hope is lost or there is no reason for our continued effort then…well…

So I call on all optimists, join us in box IV! We love your optimism. We need your optimism. That feeling in me that started last spring continues and I feel like there are more and more global thinkers and organizations that are expressing similar sentiments.

I am called to action. You will find me today and everyday working to make a difference and I want your optimism along for the ride.

Playing Huge.
morgan