We are where we are and no magic can alter that reality. A recent poll suggesting 72 per cent of the population is considering or has considered leaving the island speaks avidly to our times — the state of our economy, the state of our politics and the general mood of society’s sense of wellbeing. But if we look at it positively, it may not be such a bad thing.

We are always better advised to face life optimistically and calmly consider practical ways to remedy our situations. Daunting as that may be when the prospects of growth or even survival look grim, having the eyes of hope is best — certainly better than pessimism.

I have often thought of Bermudians as being like yeast in dough because we have witnessed many who when placed in a larger foreign environment flourished exponentially and fared far better than had they remained at home.

On that, we can take the example of Dennis Rahim Watson, who rose to prominence in the United States, beginning as a rapper and then emerging as a motivational speaker for thousands of young men. Or Cindy Trimm, who we may remember with her fledgeling attempt as a United Bermuda Party senator during the John Swan era, and who now in religious circles rivals the popularity of the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

That same phenomenon can be true or realised in just about every endeavour, whether business or commerce, sport or entertainment. Like yeast, we can use our Bermudian character and learnings to rise wherever we are.

We have heard it said, “Act local but think global” and while those may be wise words when we get stuck and our options disappear, we may need to change that axiom towards “acting globally”.

Our 17th and 18th-century ancestors were indeed globalists. Recalling the words of Captain John Smith, who said “Bermuda is an excellent bit with which to rule a great horse”. He was speaking metaphorically, yes, but one could see his attitude was that we saw the world as his oyster, and that is the key for those who wish to seek success today amid a dark world. As the scriptural words say, when one confronts difficulty in any particular land “spacious is the earth”.

Humans by nature are migratory beings and biological history shows that those who are more adaptable to migratory change have been more successful and progressive than those who remain in their local environments.

We have the location and infrastructure to be global; it is now time we train our minds towards the global market.

You ask, where do we start? Anywhere!

Look for emerging markets such as in Africa and South America. Every opportunity you see in your backyard exists in other places and with more growth possibilities. Instead of catering to a population of 60,000, cater to 600,000.

Beating our heads against the wall to change the government may be an exercise in futility; rather, we need to change ourselves.

See yourself as not being trapped in a negative situation when possibilities are endless, but only when you are open to them. Bermuda, it is time we left our nests and created a whole new world — and the long-mooted “third leg” of our economy is waiting for our arrival.