Negativity. A Good Thing?
I have always been one to try to find the positive in every situation. In my mind, having a negative attitude didn’t make sense - it just made the situation worse. I found out differently yesterday.
In speaking with a fellow Montrose-area resident about our Horizons project and the changes that we would like to see, some comments came up that really got me “fired up”. When discussing the changes that I (and many others from the community) would like to see, I was told “that will never happen - not in my lifetime, and not in yours. Too many people like this town just the way it is, why change things? We never had that before, why do we need that now?”
At first I was thinking that an attitude like that is part of the problem. But after some thought it occurred to me - that may be just the thing to get us moving! I know it gave me more determination to get things done. It showed me that we need ALL types of people and attitudes to keep “Montrose On The Move”!
October 18th, 2007 at 1:24 am
Every community has its “nay sayers” but you are definetly on the right track, by your refusal to be discouraged! Sometimes people need to see change actually happen before they are willing to “buy into” the new ideas and thoughts. Try to find ways to engage them in the project…what are some skills or expertise they may be able to offer? Put ‘em to work and they can become part of the positive changes. You won’t always get 100% on your side, but if you keep your goals and core values in mind then you won’t get sidetracked by those negative attitudes. Keep up the great work!
October 18th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
We too have the “C.A.V.E.” people(Citizens Against Virtually Everything) . Some have attended study circles and leadership and have taken many opportunities outside of the meetings to spread their negative messages. I think that presents our biggest challenge in a community the size of Oldham or Montrose. When we try to come up with ideas of ways to include them in the projects, they have simply said no way. We just can’t let their actions or attitudes steer us from our vision of what “can be” instead of “that will never happen” or “why bother”. I love your attitude to take this as a way to strengthen your determination to make change happen.
October 19th, 2007 at 12:01 am
Great blog, Amy. I loved the posting of your thoughts. As Cheryl says, keep the good attitude and show people that changes can be made in Montrose.
November 8th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
Amy,
I loved your post too! I agree with you on that too about the negative comments. We hear that here as well in Whitewood. I agree with your attitude though that you must be proactive to see change through. I hope that as people see change occurring that they will change their minds and become more receptive to the change!
November 17th, 2007 at 11:15 am
I totally agree with your thoughts on this subject, Amy. Our communities (Artesian, Forestburg, and Letcher) have encountered some negativity, but not from our own community members–rather from an outside source. I think we should look at it as a challenge and prove to people that by working together we can make positive changes and improvements in our communities!!
Dawna V.O.
Sanborn Central Horizons II