Sometimes it is hard to continuously find motivation to reach your goals to conserve nature and work to help the environment. Second thoughts may come up such as…Is it really worth carrying around all these reusable bags? or Can’t I just buy a plastic water bottle when I get to the gym? and even A Big-Mac sounds good right about now!
Although everyone’s second thoughts are different, we all have them. And even if you haven’t asked yourself similar questions, I’m sure someone else has.
What can you do about this?
When you are hearing these thoughts, it is hard to snap out of it. The only sure way to get back to where you want (and need) to be is to venture into nature! Petting a few animals may remind you why you choose a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Swimming in a lake and seeing all the fish and animals could also remind you why you don’t use plastic. Those animals don’t deserve to eat the plastic or have it stuck around their necks! Seeing beautiful trees and greenery is a reminder that you don’t want to cause any harm to our dear Earth!
Examples of nature’s inspiration:
Canoeing the Mississippi River with Quapaw Canoe Company
Clarksdale, Mississippi
Looking out at the lake and the mountains in the distance at Linville Land Harbor
Linville, North Carolina
Black bear at the animal sanctuary on Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina
5 ways to incorporate nature into your everyday life
1. Open the windows
Whether you’re cooking dinner or slaving over your computer at work, fresh sunlight from open blinds or fresh air from an open window can do wonders!
2. Have a plant
Taking care of a plant is a great way to see nature everyday. You are actively caring for it, which creates a lot of motivation! To keep the plant alive and healthy, a routine must be established which leads to it being an everyday part of your life.
3. Add a pet to your family
It does not matter if you decide on the typical dog or take the easier way and get a fish or spring for a horse, each will provide you with a source of joy. Even more so than a plant, animals provide a routine and a sense of responsibility to animals and plants of the Earth.
4. Go for a walk
Some of the best ideas are thought of during a walk! Why is that? I think getting fresh air and your endorphins flowing keeps the human body and mind working the way it should.
5. Eat plants
It has been proven that a plant-based diet is best for the environment. It can also help with your health and therefore your mind as well. Jumping head first into a plant-based diet can be daunting, which is why it is recommended to start with Meatless Mondays.
Start today
No matter how you personally choose to do it, I ask you to meditate on the beauty of our Earth and how you treat our home and all those who inhabit it.
