Seasons for All

Happy Earth Day 2009

Credit: Image from Earth Day Coalition

Earth Hour 2009

 

From the Earth Hour website:

"Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour.  In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

"In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

"We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

"VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour."

* * * * *

I have children and grandchildren who will probably be residents of the earth longer than I will be.  I'm turning off the lights at 8:30 p.m.

Making A Difference

Once in a great while, or maybe it's more often than I realize, I am in a position to facilitate a smoother process for those who are focusing on a specific initiative related to improving the quality of life for others.  Today was one of those days. 

As an invited guest to a meeting run by a committee that oversees breast cancer screening and plans for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, I made suggestions that resulted in the group forming a new sub-committee.  I committed to being part of the smaller group, suggested other key participants, and offered to provide administrative support to the new sub-committee.  I could feel the energy in the room shift from a nearly stalled complacency to a newly inspired enthusiasm.  This moment was not about me or my personal contribution.  This moment was about my being in a position to make easier for others the work of focusing on a critical health initiative.    

I don't think many committee members noticed, but I was so emotionally moved by the work this group does and the fact that I had, in a short period of time, made a significant difference in how the committee would proceed, that my eyes welled with tears as the committee chair was summarizing next steps.

While I know I facilitate a smooth process for other work groups, this moment was remarkable because I could feel the direction of the work shift.  I had made a difference to this committee by introducing ideas and resources that will ease their ability to get their jobs done.  I am therefore improving a process to increase breast cancer awareness, screening, treatment, and wellness. 

Each day, we make a difference to someone somewhere whether we realize it or not.  And while we need to take care of ourselves, we do so in order to take care of others.  It's important for each of us to recognize moments like the one I had today.  Because today, I not only made a difference in how a group can get to the heart of their work more quickly, but I made a difference in our collective responsibility to care for others. 

I want more of these moments, moments presented to me as an opportunity to make a difference. 

Be sure to visit Melissa to see how she and others are achieving A Beautiful Life.   

 

Inauguration Day 2009

I started crying in Delaware.  Well, I wasn't actually in Delaware.  Barack Obama was -- along with Michelle, and Joe and Jill Biden.  History in the making as the 44th president-to-be made the symbolic whistle-stop tour from Philadelphia to D.C. on the Saturday before his inauguration.  My eyes filled with tears as I watched the event on television.

I have wanted this man to be president since the primaries.  So I've been following him closely and, all these months later, he still amazes me.  How is it that someone who can mobilize masses of people at the local, national, and international levels is grounded enough to frame nearly every speech he delivers in a history lesson?  How is it that someone who silently screams with unflappable credibility Commander-in-Chief releases to a national newspaper a heartfelt letter to two little girls that explains the choices he has made are because of their potential as human beings, and then signs the very public letter "Love, Dad"?  And how is it that a soul- and identity-searching college student named Barry can emerge to become a rock star U.S. President-Elect named Barack who shouts "I love you back!" to individuals in record-breaking crowds that flock to see him in person?

Read the rest of my post at 50something Moms Blog.