I read a recent political commentary discussing how our federal election has been particularly negative and critical of opposing parties rather than the promotion of policies. The reason given was that research revealed that voters today are far more likely to be motivated by fear rather than hope when casting a vote. People no longer trust political promises and votes are determined by which party is perceived to cause the least harm. What an indictment of our society!

nIs it possible for a fragmented and distrusting society to transform itself into hopeful communities? The solution might not be in politics but in grassroots movements. Recently published Stories of Hope is an account of personal stories gathered from Ulster citizens of all ages sharing their experience of the conflict in Northern Ireland. It is a sequel to a previous publication, Conflict to Peace- Our Community Transformation. A quote from the editor: “We often forget that the transformation that has occurred in Northern Ireland over the past 25 years is not just about politics, but it is also about people and their impact on communities. Our peace is far from perfect, but the journey we have been on is marked by thousands of footsteps of people who have sought to move this place forward and away from the dark days of the past”.

Are the people of Northern Ireland still struggling with a complexity of divergent opinions? Absolutely, particularly at the moment, as their political system is in danger of collapse. The change that has occurred is not about changing people’s opinions. It is about changing attitudes. Fear of those ‘on the other side has been replaced with hope that it is possible to live together respectfully and that our humanity gives us more in common than the differences between us.

Hope goes beyond passive wishful thinking. According to one author, realistic hope is defined as the attempt to understand the concrete conditions of reality, to see one’s own role in it realistically, and engage in such efforts of thoughtful action as might be expected to bring about the hoped-for change.

Much happens in our beautiful community to generate hope: all types of volunteerism; neighbours who look out for one another; every week, there are a plethora of activities where locals come together to have fun, learn, serve, work, and work out, problem-solve, advocate, celebrate. I am always encouraged when I read community Facebook posts and see people helping one another by providing transport, searching for lost pets, giving away needed items and many other acts of kindness. 

You don’t have to travel far from your front door to encounter a diversity of opinions but let’s keep our focus on those things that unite us as a community! Studies have found that as anxiety increases, our desire to affiliate with others decreases. Let’s not allow fear or distrust of difference to isolate or divide us. Isolated by fear or united by hope… may we all choose hope!

Linda Gray
 linda@relationshipsanctuary.com.au
 0401 517 243