With a heavy heart I went around, searching, digging, excavating stories that I could cling on to. A part of me refused to believe my destiny was to watch the beautiful colours of this world fade away, not because I couldn’t see them anymore, but because they wouldn’t be there. Then one day, I met a very old and grumpy cockatiel who every night flew in panic, screaming around the house. His human told me he was prone to night terrors and was old and senile. That bird did not like me at all, he was scared, and he hissed but I thought he was trying to tell us something. After careful inspection, I found mice droppings around his cage – the poor bird was being harassed by them every night! A major cleaning event and mice prevention strategy made him so happy he climbed my arm and sang in my ear. He knew I understood him and changed his life for the best. Today I Will Remember that as long as I live, I must continue to listen, to think for myself and act for others. And in that space, a constant negotiation like the sustained flight of birds, I find hope. “Hope” is the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul – And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all – (Emily Dickinson, "'Hope' is the thing with feathers - (314)") Are you inspired to write?If you are inspired to write a page based on keeping well and active in an age of climate and nature emergencies, we would be pleased to hear from you. We're looking for a maximum of 380 words for each reading and it must be an original piece written by the person submitting it. All entries that are published will be anonymous.
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As a child I unconsciously developed many coping strategies to survive the behaviours of the adults around me. I was lucky to have an exceptional grandmother, companion animals and a deep appreciation of the natural world and I often withdrew and hid with these. Sometimes I kept quiet too long and then exploded in a destructive rage. I was desperate to feel I could safely fit in somewhere, so I became a people pleaser, a liar and I trusted nobody. I carried these childhood coping strategies into adulthood and more rollercoaster relationships and projects followed. Eventually, in desperation, I was guided to a peer support programme, a range of healthier coping strategies and self care tools. Gradually I got to know myself and I started to make more time for the things that are important to me. I’m a bit better at taking responsibility for the choices I make and understanding how these impact me and the world around me. Yet when I read the news and reports about biodiversity loss, animal abuse and climate change, I temporarily slip back into seeing society through the eyes of a helpless, powerless child again. Taking time out to watch the birds and other animals who live in and visit my garden, I see that most other species on Earth have a daily struggle for physical survival and I’m in awe of their resilience and determination. I don’t expect my own life to be without pain, loss, conflict and disappointments and I’m grateful for the help I’ve received that’s led me to a more meaningful life with clearer responsibilities, principles and objectives. Today I Will Remember Fear and anger can fuel emotional rollercoasters that are as stressful as they are exhausting. Sometimes strong emotions are a signal I need to tackle something difficult and I can choose to take constructive action making best use of whatever skills, experience and capacity that are available to me. “……principles above personalities.” Tradition 12, Al-Anon Family Groups Are you inspired to write?If you are inspired to write a page based on keeping well and active in an age of climate and nature emergencies, we would be pleased to hear from you. We're looking for a maximum of 380 words for each reading and it must be an original piece written by the person submitting it. All entries that are published will be anonymous.
For more information, or if you have any questions, email audrey@surefoot-effect.com
I imagine most people ponder the big questions of the universe, especially ‘What is the meaning of life?’ Each of us will have our own thoughts on this according to our individual life journeys. My own hazy thinking has changed as I’ve aged but one idea will not change: purpose and meaning come from appreciating what I’ve been given and doing my best to respect the giver. On that basis Earth, and especially my home country, will always have my highest regard. As just one person on Earth I accept my limitations and ability to care for, or ‘save’, our Planet and its biodiversity. I no longer hope Earth’s astonishing ecosystem will not change due to the short-sighted priorities of its dominant species. I don’t know what the future holds for life on Earth but I believe our Planet will adjust to its changing circumstances, right up to its final embrace with our Galaxy’s sun. Today I Will Remember For self-respect I need to be a responsible person who considers the consequences of how I choose to live my life. I choose to read United Nations reports on biodiversity loss and I look carefully at my local environment and wildlife to seek to understand it and take informed actions to try to protect it and sometimes even enhance it. To be able to do this I need to have a plan to look after myself, especially when I’m disillusioned and struggling with fear and anger. Today I will focus on what I can do (however small) to make the most of this short time I’ve been given on Earth to enjoy and support my local environment. God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change Courage to change the things I can And the wisdom to know the difference The Serenity Prayer Are you inspired to write?If you are inspired to write a page based on keeping well and active in an age of climate and nature emergencies, we would be pleased to hear from you. We're looking for a maximum of 380 words for each reading and it must be an original piece written by the person submitting it. All entries that are published will be anonymous.
For more information, or if you have any questions, email audrey@surefoot-effect.com |