To Care…
I feel more motivated than ever now, and even a sense of responsibility, to the mission of protecting our glorious Mother Earth, her bountiful nature and inhabitants, and getting other people to also care. It is exciting to me to have the ability to do that through a career, and is what I have always dreamed of doing, hence why I got a degree in Environmental Sciences.
But after that soul-expanding trip, I have discovered an additional aspect to my motivation. I want to do it now, not just for the sake of the environment, but also for the sake of respecting other parts of the world whose livelihoods DO indeed rely on nature, ecosystems, and preserved land.
While we may not always feel this super dependence on the Earth throughout our daily lives in our bubble, we should at least remember that we are not the ones who will be displaced or harmed first by the nefarious effects of over-consumption, pollution, and worst of all- a lack of caring (a relevant example of how environmental and social catastrophes are currently occurring overseas can be seen in this recent news story of the fire of Kantamanto Market in Ghana, I recommend reading about it- especially if you’re into secondhand shopping/thrifting).
It is so much easier to care when simplify our lives- when we take a moment to clear our minds of the nonstop invasion of clutter and complication that we’re exposed to daily. When we spend more time being curious and harmonious with nature and in awe of its existence. When we focus deeply on the people around us and actively engage, listen, and learn from them.
Of course, we are all equally susceptible to becoming a blind participant in some of these destructive institutions and habits every now and then, it happens, it will happen. But let us hold onto the beacons of hope that guide us away from the destruction. It exists around us already- community-driven volunteer organizations, so many cool environmental and social nonprofits, fearless advocates and inspiring leaders catalyzing change and contributing innovations, educators that believe in and empower our generation.
And of course there are many easy and accessible ways to care and promote positive change just by yourself. A lot of it can be done just by consciously consuming less, thinking through if every purchase is absolutely necessary, decluttering your life. This is something that has helped me a lot because I tend to get overwhelmed just by having and handling so many things.
Shop second-hand more often. Buy locally sourced foods if possible. Farmers markets are super fun to do with friends and family. Bring those cute reusable grocery bags to the store instead of always using the plastic disposable ones.
SO much to learn, so much to be involved in, so much to care about! Let’s collectively care!
We’re all just drifting around simultaneously amongst the unknown and confusion that is life. But while we drift, we can also try to find pockets of cozy and kind air that grant the enchanting gifts of life such as community, nature, and simplicity.
Another common reply to a “how are you” greeting in the Wolof language is, “maa ngi fi”, or directly translated to English is, “I am here”. Now THIS is the ultimate declaration of peace that friends of The Gambia and Senegal have mastered, a steadfast acknowledgement of simply being alive, what a gift! I am here, you are here, we are all here together. Simple. as . that. :)
Xoxo