In 1996, my first online magazine had over 1,200 pages of communities and their statistics, pictures, business pages, and much, much more. Each town (251 in total) had its own page, and we looked at developing an individual or town crier.
(He wrote this about the sale, “Its originator had long felt a call to devote his time to ministry, and decided to sell to me. Despite other offers, he believed that I “had a heart” for the project, and would preserve it. I appreciate his trust.”)
One night, I created a community page about a town called HAPPINESS. Nearly thirty years ago, I still believed that there is a place and people who want to see things better and make things better through their actions and deeds.
Imagine a community where people talked to each other, people felt safe, and a community made a difference. It sounds like Lake Wobegon (A fictional town), which was created by Garrison Keillor. And people wanted it to be real and were disappointed when they found it wasn’t.
That was what was behind my city of Happiness.
Many will argue that it is impossible. They will say it can never happen. But, what if it could happen? And you and I were part of it?
John Lennon recorded, “Imagine all the people, Living life in peace, Yoo-hoo, ooh-ooh. You may say I’m a dreamer, But I’m not the only one, I hope someday you’ll join us, And the world will be as one.”
Each one of us has the potential to make a difference. Today. Where we live.
What would it look like? I have studied communities of change, moving in positive directions. I have written hundreds of articles about the principles and the people that make a community a better place to live.
I live in a beautiful community with a lot of great people. And there are a lot of great things our community can be proud of. Some might argue that it is not enough or will “never” happen. I admit that there is always more that can be done. And sometimes, the extremes are necessary to pull others into “alignment.”
When I was young, I read this story about a wise old Quaker who stood at the front of his town.
As people arrived, he was asked eagerly what the people of the town were like.
He answered them with a question: “What were the people like in the town you just left?”
Some said, “The town we came from was wicked. The people were rude gossips who took advantage of innocent people. It was filled with thieves and liars.”
The wise man answered, “This town is the same as the one you left.”
They thanked the man for saving them from the trouble they had just come out of. They then moved on further west.
Then another group of settlers arrived and asked the same question: “What is this town like?”
The wise man asked again, “What was the town like where you came from?” . These responded, “It was wonderful! We had dear friends. Everyone looked out for the others’ interest. There was never any lack because all cared for one another. If someone had a big project, the entire community gathered to help. It was a hard decision to leave, but we felt compelled to make way for future generations by going west as pioneers.”
The wise old man said to them exactly what he had said to the other group: “This town is the same as the one you left.”
These people responded with joy, “Let’s settle here!”
How they viewed their past relations was their scope for their future ones.
A community that is charged with positivity and happiness exhibits several distinct characteristics that contribute to its overall well-being and sense of thriving. Here are some key traits:
Sense of Belonging: Individuals in a positive and happy community feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to one another. There is a spirit of inclusivity and acceptance, where everyone is valued and respected for who they are. (How do we improve on this, is a big question. How do reach those that seem unreachable?)
Optimistic Outlook: Positivity and happiness permeate the collective mindset of the community, with members maintaining an optimistic outlook on life and its possibilities. Even in the face of challenges, there is a shared belief in the power of resilience and growth. (The very essence of all that I do here at Positive News For You. And I could use some help! 😊 )
Supportive Relationships: Strong social bonds and supportive relationships are fundamental to a positive and happy community. Members actively nurture friendships, offer help and encouragement, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Culture of Gratitude: Gratitude is a core value in a positive community, with members expressing appreciation for the blessings in their lives and acknowledging the contributions of others. Regular expressions of gratitude foster a sense of abundance and contentment.
Acts of Kindness: Random acts of kindness are commonplace in a community charged with positivity and happiness. Individuals go out of their way to help one another, whether through small gestures of kindness or larger acts of generosity.
Emotional Resilience: Members of a positive community possess a high level of emotional resilience, able to bounce back from setbacks and adversity with grace and determination. They view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Focus on Well-being: There is a collective commitment to promoting well-being and self-care within the community. Members prioritize activities that nurture their physical, emotional, and mental health, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices.
Celebration of Diversity: Diversity is embraced and celebrated in a positive community, with members recognizing the richness and strength that comes from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Everyone is encouraged to contribute their unique gifts and talents.
Sense of Purpose: Individuals in a positive and happy community have a clear sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. They are motivated by a shared vision of creating a better world and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Joyful Atmosphere: Overall, a community charged with positivity and happiness exudes a joyful atmosphere filled with laughter, smiles, and a sense of lightness. There is a collective spirit of joy and enthusiasm that uplifts everyone who is part of it.
By embodying these characteristics, a community can cultivate a culture of positivity and happiness that enriches the lives of its members and creates a supportive and thriving environment for all.
My heart is truly my mission statement of “changing the world.” What is done locally moves globally.
I invite you to join us in changing our communities.
Winery
719 Hwy 12, Westmoreland, NH 03467 
