Building hope after winter solstice!

As we start the first longer days of earth’s annual cycle, I think important to build and share hope … for each of us, our community and our planet. Good planets are hard to find, they say …

Ray Bradbury’s reminder is perfect, “Action is hope. There is no hope without action.” … Greta Thunberg has said “Once we start to act, hope is everywhere. So instead of looking for hope, look for action. Then, and only then, hope will come.”

One of the easiest acts to build positive change is to spend every dollar with intent. Know the business you are supporting, the impact of the product’s creation and destruction, and above all, why you are giving that dollar to somebody else. Small cottage / garage grown businesses are my favorite (Garage Grown Gear)

I call it voting with your pocketbook… and you can do it every day, multiple times a day.

A small business owner, who I greatly admire, recently posted on the state of cottage small businesses in the outdoor recreation sector. At first read, it’s pretty depressing how hard small businesses have to work to compete against corporate monopolistic giants. But, she actually gives us actions to take to help build hope.

1. Make a list of the small businesses you want to see thrive and keep their doors open in 2026 and beyond. 

2. Find a way to financially support them if you haven’t already this holiday season. Can you pick up a $10 gift card, send business their way, or dedicate your next purchase to their shop?

3. Get creative. There is no return to “normal.” This moment demands that we do things differently. It won’t be easy, and it might sting a little, but together we can build a sustainable, equitable future. We have to believe in it, and we have to work at it.

https://coalitionsnow.substack.com/p/exhausted-and-disheartened

It doesn’t have to be in outdoor recreation; it could be your local grocer, clothing, pub, etc … spend your $ with intent to help us all build hope. Good planets are hard to find …