Little Rock has its own swag that you really only tap into once you stop constantly comparing it to places. Ground yourself in the reality of the potential of the small city we are currently in.
We are not New York.
We are not Dallas.
You are not in Los Angeles.
This ain’t Chicago.
While there is so much potential for our growth with the influence of other places (and more direct flights than EVER to make experiences more accessible 
)… you are in Little Rock, Arkansas and our community is its own thing that you’ll miss the magic of by only fixating on what it’s not.
Little Rock is the kind of place where you have to MAKE a place. And I understand that the prospect of that is not as appealing to people who prefer being in the thick of things that already exist, but it is what it is. Little Rock’s progress is IN progress and if you want things to be different, you have to actually be a part of changing. I think that if you’re a builder or a dreamer type of human, it’s honestly the best kind of space to be. You have the opportunity to be the force behind the kind of city you want to exist in.
– Go to events that individuals and organizations attempt. There may be hits and misses in the experience, but that’s part of the process of becoming. Give feedback kindly AND try again. Most of the festivals here that are what they are now and the ones that will be all start as small happenings where people in the community tried and tried again, building on their successes and learning from mistake year over year over year.
– Support businesses. Like go to them and give them your money. Certified Pies has their phones ringing off the hook today because a bunch of people went and kept going as they worked through their ups and downs in the commercial kitchen. When the community supports, it’s up!!! We have the power to grow dreams and build new things with our support and patronage. Even if you can’t afford it constantly, do it consistently when you can and the things around you will blossom.
– Be kind to people. When you’re out and about, in a city of our size you’re gonna see somebody you know and people you don’t. The more you go, the more you start to see the same people and organizations and groups trying to support each other and move things forward. We ARE the community and we are that momentum.
I don’t even have much else to say. It’s a beautiful day. Go enjoy something on purpose.
