Comments on: The changes you never see

By: Colleen

Colleen — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:29:56 +0000

Very true. I imagine that applies to everyone. Some of that was obvious from the recent trip back to the UK. Interestingly, the changes (in me) were hardest for the people who know me best… my family. But they are a good mirror for who I am and an annoying voice of reason for my ambitions.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:16:47 +0000

Elizabeth.
Good questions. No easy or obvious answers. Probably, it was a lot of things. Good location, changes in governance and government, an influx of organizations, some tourist venues (Dedza has a pottery), the natural growth and change of people and communities… I mean can you really describe how any town changes? Potential waiting to happen… maybe, but that’s easier said in hindsight.

To me, I thought it was worth observing that my skewed starting point influenced my perception of change so completely, particularly since we are always so focused on immediate, “transformative” changes that ignore the value of patience.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 14:59:01 +0000

Hmm… good post, but it raises the question of what spurred this change? Was the town’s potential just waiting for the right spark/push to get it going? Or did people inspire one another, and once growth started happening more innovators and entrepreneurs were drawn from other areas? Or a mix of both? And is change at this pace replicable? (I’m not expecting an answer, I’m just thinking)

By: Laura

Laura — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:40:16 +0000

Thanks for sharing this perspective, Colleen. I’m sure there’s some sort of parallel for the change you’ve gone through in those nine months too – probably sometimes it’s really visible, and sometimes not, but easiest to see for those who knew you before those nine months started.

By: Brendan

Brendan — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:45:14 +0000

Much. Just wait until you leave, and then returna few years later. Then you’ll really see it!

Good post.