And I just felt absolutely at one and it was a sense of awe and wonder. […] everything is interconnected and each little species, even though it may seem insignificant, has a role to play in this tapestry of life. […] Every single individual matters. Every single individual makes some impact on the planet every single day and we have a choice about what kind of difference we’re going to make.
Jane Goodall (also known as Dr Jane Goodall)
Connecting to the 10-year-old in myself today. She was so full of dreams. Saw few boundaries. Loved the world intensely and felt connected to it all – especially animals and the ocean. She wanted to be Jacques Cousteau or Jane Goodall or David Attenborough when she grew up. She was going to make a difference.
I’m not sure I’ve really done her proud.
I try to do my bit and I believe in individual agency through choice, but I’m not always convinced of the impact I have in the face of the destruction we’ve already caused and are continuing to wreak en masse. Today, on Earth Day, I especially reflect on that and am saddened by the fact that we even have a need for a day that reminds us to care for our planet and the creatures on it. In my heart of hearts, I feel every day should be Earth day.
Perhaps if I think of it as a day to celebrate Earth, and all those who did fulfil their 10-year-old dreams to celebrate and conserve it (and there are so many), that would be better. And, in support of all the 10-year-olds out there now who are also looking to their future horizons with hope and excitement as I was then, as well as the younger me who lives in me still, I have a duty not to give up.
Five of the many things I still dream of doing on behalf of my 10-year-old heart:
~ living close enough to nature again that I feel connected, every day
~ spending more time in the wilder places of the planet – jungles and oceans particularly – because they make my heart sing
~ seeing a turtle mass hatching and making sure as many of those little creatures make it to the sea as possible
~ supporting initiatives to reduce the negative impact I have on the world – recycling plastics, reducing my use of plastics, raising awareness and helping others in their endeavours to do the same
~ eating more consciously in support of the above and my general wellbeing
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