— from Michael Johnson —
Virtually everyone I talk to exclaims something along the lines of, “I like how quiet it is now,” or, “I like working from home better,” or “I don’t miss the traffic and the rush,” or, “it’s nice not getting woke up early or late to the sounds of airplanes taking off,” etc. etc. etc. We hear it everyday.
Under the current political narrative the writing is on the wall and we should pause for a moment and reflect on the fact that “normal isn’t normal anymore,” and that, as a community we have a voice, and we don’t have to go back to the way it was before.
“It was a world full of waste and wonder, of poverty and plenty. Back before we understood why hindsight was 20-20. You see, the people came up with companies to trade across all lands. But they swelled and got much bigger than we ever could have planned.”
Yes, Michael, the future will definitely not look like the past. And here on Orcas Island, we have some ability to say what that future will be. Off island, we have much less influence but perhaps we can provide good examples and lead the way forward.
My childhood long-time friends and I have exchanged this hear-warming and inspiring video and we all agree with its message — instead of “normal” or even “new normal” we talk about “The Great Realisation”
we like it and we move on, holding hands (virtually) and smiling whenever we can. Orcas Island is not unique, and that’s a good thing. Thanks for the reminder, Michael J.