Riding the Winds of Change for a Better Future

Gary Spinks

— 2 min read
Riding the Winds of Change for a Better Future
Gary Spinks standing at the famous signpost at John O' Groats, the most northerly settlement on mainland Britain

You're standing at John O' Groats, the most northerly settlement on mainland Britain.

Edinburgh is 273 miles away.

New York 3,230 miles in another direction.

Turn your back on the commercial outlets for a moment and the perspective as you look out to the north is very different.

You are facing the North Sea, riled by the gusty winds that whip across its waters. Before you, the nearest (uninhabited) island of Stroma. Beyond, a glimpse of islands which together make up the Orkneys.

You are in nature.

This is a place where you might spot birds like puffins, guillemots, gulls, oystercatchers, fulmars, kittiwakes and more. Get a sight of grey seals or a glimpse of orcas.

This is a place where you can walk or cycle (and some arrive here to complete the famous 'End to End' journey from Land's End).

This is a place where, not far from the commercialisation, you can find a quiet spot to sit, reflect and make time for yourself.

As I stood to have the obligatory photo taken at the John O' Groats signpost (pictured above) the winds were strong and forceful. To me they represented winds of change.

The world is no longer as it once was.

The innocence of my youth is long past.

Time is short - and flying fast.

I do not believe world leaders, in politics or big business, have the vision, will or courage to change the world for the better. They have their reasons for their actions and inactions.

I do believe in the power of ordinary people, stepping up, coming together and making things happen.

  • Citizens doing 'Citizen-ing' (see Jon Alexander) or ACTionism for good
  • Community groups, NGOs and charities doing their bit for their local area or people 'ignored' or 'forgotten' by other
  • Independent journalists and news outlets, filling the gaps left by traditional news and keeping the principles of truth, accuracy, fairness and justice in play
  • Funders, investors and philanthropists - putting money where it can do more good for more people (and a greater diversity of people)
  • Good Samaritans who do a 'good deed' each day (like Sharon, a lady who gave a complete stranger a lift so they would not miss their train).

The world is better than you may see it right now (that's largely down to social media and our mainstream media, in my view).

There are numerous examples of positive news, stories of good people making a difference, and projects (and organisations) doing good for communities, local, regional and global.

I'm one of the people helping to get more of THOSE stories out into the world (with a focus on Scotland AND also supporting global stories of good).

If you have got stories you think should be heard or want to support this kind of media (with funding, resources or help in kind) please connect with me, DM me and let's get more of it happening.

Thank you.

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