Your Voice
Carries The Weight Of The World
This week I spoke to a group of High School students about what I do. I tried to put myself in their position, what would I have wanted to know when I was in High School? But of course the world is so different these decades later. It is far more polluted and the problems seem infinite.
I know enough not to lecture teens on The Irrefutables — the chemicals of our age just yet…Without proper context, it can seem hopeless. Even though I am actually hopeful. This is our moment humanity! Lets stand up and rise to the occasion. With that in mind, I decided that perhaps the most profound thing I could help them to see is that I use my voice to speak for the natural world that can not advocate for itself. And to encourage each of them to use their unique voice to help make the world better.
I started with the story from when I was a five years old. One afternoon I ran off the kindergarten bus and into my mother’s waiting arms. I was excited! This hadn’t been any usual day. Two big things had happened - so today was special.
I have two things to tell you!, I explained. First I told her that, after my many struggles learning to read because I was dyslexic and had learning disabilities - as it was labelled back then, I had finally moved to a higher reading group. Of course she was thrilled. Then I explained how the bus driver had stopped the entire bus and pulled it to the side of the road just to inform me that I had the loudest voice on the whole, entire bus. And I beamed with pride.
Well, I have always had a loud voice. It just took me a while to figure out exactly how to use mine.
When I thought about my topic for Clean Living this week, I realized the same message applies here. No matter our age or stage of life, we have a voice. It matters. You matter.
I have always loved the saying that each of us are like a tiny drop of water, seemingly small and perhaps insignificant, and yet together we make the ocean.
That is the incredible power of the collective. If we harness ourselves we can do great things. Together.
Just as I encouraged the High Schoolers to use their voice for a better future, we must do that together too. Here at Clean Living In A Dirty Age, I want to empower you.
Use your voice to tell others about the chemicals of our age.
Call and/or your legislators regularly and remind them about all of the issues that matter to you.
Cast a vote with every one of your purchases, buying conscientiously, so that they send a clear signal to Main Street about what we want.
These acts ensure that our voices are being heard, that each of our small acts can add up. That these seemingly small acts can transform the world.
I know that collectively we have enormous power and that together we can change the toxic status quo. It starts with you.
So thank you for joining me. For speaking out and standing up. I am glad you are with me on this journey to live clean even when it isn’t always easy.