Photo Source: www.munpl.org
If I am being honest, I am a bit frustrated. I would like to know when trying to do the right thing became crazy??? When I started this makeover on my life a lot of factors went into the decision. I wanted to be healthier (please don’t get me started on the word “healthy” that is a different day and a different post) I wanted to do my part to help our environment. I wanted to educate others so that they could make informed decisions for their own families. Maybe the most honest one of all, I needed something to focus on and control. Sometimes the world spins so fast and it can be overwhelming. There is a sense of peace that comes from knowing that the only thing you have complete control over is yourself. Deciding how to use that control is empowering.
For whatever reason our society doesn’t care, it has a why bother mentality. Unless, of course you mention youth military in Uganda, then everyone pretends to be outraged! How many of them would actually do anything to stop it…yes I went there. Whether it’s global warming, eating organic or voting for our president, you hear the same response: it doesn’t matter; it’s a crock. There is a part of me that can see this point of view. We have been BOMBARDED with a Y2K and STORM WATCH 2012 media for years. They hype up the littlest things and then what????…nothing. So it makes sense that people stop listening and stop caring. They feel that in the end its all hype and everything will work its self out. But I have a feeling it is more than that. Frankly, as Americans we are greedy and lazy and the combination of the two, are proving to be deadly. We consume and take so much from our planet because we feel that it is our right and we are too lazy to put in a little work or give back. So often, I see someone trying to explain why they are doing something that they feel is good, only to be met with criticism. People almost seem excited to be the barer of bad news! They want to shut down what you are saying and poke holes in your do good efforts. They are quick to give resistance and excuses. But why??? Are they doing better?? Do they have any ideas themselves? It has been my experience that the answer is no. They are just lazy. If they poke holes and find faults then they have an excuse not to try. But, “Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure.” As said so by Don Wilder.
Instead of failing why don’t we all just put a little effort towards repairing our once beautiful Planet. Give back instead of take. I challenge us all to make one change. I don’t care how big or small. Maybe it will be shopping at farmers markets, eating less meat, remembering to use your shopping bags, turning off the lights, riding your bike more often…It is more of the effort that I am after. Just make a pact with yourself and your family to make one NEW change. Once you conquer it, I think it will help you to realize that there are probably other changes that you can make and it may not seem so daunting after all.
I have complete faith in today’s kids. Just a few weeks ago, an almost 3 year old reminded me to recycle :) Lets not completely destroy their Planet before they have a chance to enjoy it!
Everyone had different reasons for making changes in their lives. All that matter is that we are making them. Don’t be lazy. Stop making excuses. Don’t be greedy. JUST START CARING!
Happy Earth Day!!!
