Everyone has one little life. Every day and every action is a chance to make a big impact; on yourself, on others, on the future.
As my Little Green Life grows, I think it is time to transition this blog to reflect the bigger picture. Last year, I was one bag of trash. This year, I will be so much more. I picture 2015 and beyond as a steep mountain, the trail full of switchbacks:
Solitude.
Something I constantly crave and never really achieve. I was grateful to be able to spend a few days alone at my cabin- which I kept at a balmy 35 degrees fahrenheit. Frozen food and lack of wood forced me out a bit earlier than I would have liked, so I've decided I will have to find simple, daily ways to seek solitude and look inward.
Strength.
I thought I was already strong- phew, was I wrong. I started training at Crossfit Kingfield and unpleasantly discovered all the hidden muscles my body is composed of. It may be an addiction for some; for me it is hard work. I'm committed and determined to use this outlet to physically and mentally challenge myself. I've made some friends, too- bonus!
Health.
Being a vegetarian crossfit-er is interesting. I used to be able to get the protein I needed from a PB&J, then snack the rest of the day because, who cares? I'm trying to be more aware of what my body is asking for and answering with some sort of appropriately packaged sustenance.
Action.
This is my favorite, and what I'll focus on when writing from now on. I've joined the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa. Tomorrow, I start a 10-month term working on conservation projects around MN. Yes, yes, YES! Just the thought of doing something every day that makes a significant and visible impact shoots adrenaline through my veins.
Of course, I have to make sure my growing life still makes a little footprint. None of the specs of last year's project have changed- one of the 2015 goals is to create as little waste as possible- but this year I'm not going to work as hard to quantify it. I know I can do it; now I get to encourage others to do the same. Or force them, if you happen to be one of my roommates.
Since I left you abruptly in 2014, a quick update on the project, as it is ongoing. Our recycling is constantly overflowing, and both composters are steaming! I've put another bag in my garbage bin, and continue to keep it separate from the boys'- mostly because this means I don't have any responsibility for taking out their smelly stuff. I'm not sure when it's safe to plant a garden in Minnesota, since snow and frost occasionally happen well into May, but we'll be doing that as soon as we can.
That's it for now! I'm off to learn how to cook tofu...sigh.
"Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it."
-Andy Rooney
