Ever since the first few tragedies at post offices in the 1980s, the phrase going postal has meant getting upset at coworkers and hurting them. Here at the beach the beach houses all have cute names. One was Going Coastal.  That’s me – instead of hurting others, I went to the beach to relax and heal.

I find it valuable to hear from disgruntled employees. Sure, it’s just one voice but it gives perspective.  Diana Leaf Christian interviewed failed communities as well as on going ones to see what works.  Most fail.  64% of cohousing never even gets built.  

If you join the Foundation of Intentional Communities you get a subscription to all the old communities magazines. In issue 11, there is a letter from a person who was duped into funding someone else’s private land and cleaning it up for them. They were angry of course and a warning for all to make sure the legal docs are in order, esp. When money is involved and who really owns the land.

The author writes (similar to how I feel now): 

I believe now that part of “searching for community” is compulsion based on alienation, and that community begins right where you are! With the people you live with.  I’m tired of searching for a vision that doesn’t exist and ignoring the potential that does! I have literally seen hundreds of people doing the same thing, and being very happy…. Let’s learn from some of the  mistakes we’ve made so maybe we won’t have to make them over again.” Glen Spain 1974

I think those who leave communities for whatever reason have a voice. Just a drop in the bucket. I planned to blog and let the world see my experience. I wasn’t trying to be an expert or know it all – just my world. If you look back at posts, you’ll see my diary and thoughts as I lived there.  I planned to die there. I had no idea things would happen that made me want to get the heck out.  I hope what I felt never happens to anyone else again but I hope others can learn from mistakes so they won’t be made again in other places.