Lemmings, slow thy roll

You know, being a nature lover I care about the environment and try to do my part to be "green", but I'm not the most optimistic person by nature and sometimes my efforts just seem pointless. Am I really making a difference? When I think of the billions of tons of refuse going into the earth, waters, and air it's mind-boggling. The situation in the Gulf of Mexico right now is monumentally tragic. When I think about the millions of gallons of oil continuing to pour into the sea as I write this, it's overwhelming and makes my stomach ill. I try to avoid it but when I see images on t.v. like that pelican covered in thick, black oil my heart sinks and the situation seems utterly hopeless. We are slowly destroying the wondrously intricate and fragile ecosystems of this beautiful planet and I feel helpless to stop it.

But then I remember uplifting quotes like "Success is just a state of mind.". Now I don't know who said it, but it's basically true right? And of course there's the classic starfish story reminding us that although the big picture can be overwhelming we shouldn't lose hope because we can still make a difference in each life we touch. But lately those old standbys haven't been enough to pull me out of my funk.

Then, today as I was flipping through the channels I happened to hear just a fragment of something a man was saying and it was enough to hit home and turn my attitude around. I don't remember his exact words but this was the message I took from it and where my mind ran with it:
We are essentially the proverbial herd of lemmings running full-speed towards the cliff (so true!). Now, with all our momentum it may be physically impossible to come to a complete and sudden halt, but we can certainly start slowing down. All our generation needs to do, all we CAN do, is start applying the brakes. It's our obligation to do so, even if we didn't start the fire. (Sorry, I love mixed metaphors!)

I think the lemming reference is genius and sums up the situation perfectly. Whoever you are, you wise little man in my t.v., you rock! I don't know how far away that cliff edge is but it doesn't matter, I can't change that, all I can do is start slowing down the pace. And that's what I intend to do with each pop can I put in a recycle bin or re-usable bag I buy for my groceries. Small things, but not insignificant.

So what can I do about the tragedy unfolding so far away in the gulf? I don't know, but ignoring it because it's too difficult to watch sure hasn't been doing any good. There must be something I can do, maybe assist a wildlife rescue organization in some small way. I'm going to log off right now and look into it and I encourage you to do the same.

I hope these thoughts and ideas are as inspirational to you as they have been to me.

With Peace, Love, and Hope,
Angela

~ Every day should be Earth Day ~