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| My actual water bottle from a good friend who knows me well |
Change is hard, but unavoidable. People can either avoid it, which in my opinion causes stress and anger, or be a part of it, which will cause stress and anger. Wait. What? Change can be ugly and messy at first, but eventually if we are a part of that change, it can be tolerable, and maybe even a bit beautiful (sometimes...not always). I am not really selling it, but I don't have to. It is inevitable.
Right now, one of the hottest topics is climate change. It is scary to think that our way of life needs to change so we can protect our planet. I ask myself "what am I willing to do beyond turning the water off when I brush my teeth?" I drive an SUV....am i willing to change that? I travel a lot as my family lives across the continent. Am I willing to change that? We took our kids to Europe this summer, knowing that jet fuel is a huge contributor to ruining the environment but we still did it. Why is this? I don't have the answer. But it is coming. It will be ugly and messy and uncomfortable but we need to try and be a part of it and figure it out.
I am currently reading Brene Brown's book "Daring Greatly" and she talks about not sitting on the sidelines and the importance of being uncomfortable and vulnerable in order to have the "courage and willingness to engage". Reading this made me think of Greta Thunberg and her recent visit to Alberta, which is causing quite a bit of discomfort. Everyone has an opinion. Some are angry, others are skeptical, while some welcome her and want to hear what she has to say. She talks about the global crisis, which trickles down and creates a lot of uncertainty and discomfort in our own personal lives. I for one do not want to sit in the cheap seats! It may be quiet up there, but you can't see anything, can't hear anything, and nobody can see you. If we are not willing to get messy and feel uncomfortable, what are we here for?
Whether you believe in climate change or not (seriously people!), we all live on this earth, and while it should be in our nature to protect the planet we live on, it is not easy to think about the changes that are coming. Our planet - it is not our right to be here, it is our privilege, especially if you are in North America (okay Canada!). So whatever you choose to believe in - whether it is a force from above or below or a step to the left (or god forbid a step to the right)....whatever it is, we are living on this earth together. Climate change or not, we should respect where we live, and protect it. I can't say that I will embrace all that is coming with open arms, but I want to be a part of the mess and the chaos and ultimately the solutions.
I want to do my part to protect our planet. Full disclosure I am going to Mexico in February 2020 but will pay that extra carbon offset...for now.
One of my favorite quotes seems both timeless and relevant.
be the change that you wish to see in the world - Gandhi
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/questions-about-carbon-offsets-flights-answered/
