Growing up I always felt a little jealous of people that claimed to have a passion or calling. Their approach to life seemed so different from mine. They were focused and driven and took great pride in their work. They didn’t seem to care if nobody else listen, or made fun of them, what mattered was that they were doing something they believed in. And then there was me, busy trying to be cool, to be skinny and wear the right clothes. My life compared seemed so superficial… no wonder I felt so empty all the time.
So at some point I started looking for my purpose.
At first I believed that being a mother and build a solid family was what I was born to do and therefore I made a conscious effort to stay true to my calling. But once that was in place I realized that it couldn’t possibly just stop there. There must have been more that I could do than be a good mom and wife.There was a strong growing desire inside of me to help, I just didn’t know who or how.
My answers came pretty fast and presented me with a much bigger challenge than I ever expected.
I had to face the reality that my kids are growing up in an extremely abused planet that is heading straight for a natural resources catastrophe. The worst part is that most people don't realize it and the ones who do either don't care or it’s in their interest to look the other way.
So I decided to dive in full force and try everything I can to change that. Raising awareness, composting, recycling, replacing all the light bulbs in the house with LED ones and even turning the whole family vegan are few of the actions that I have taken so far.*
Of course it would have been a lot easier to just bury my head in the sand and agree with most people that some things are too big or hopeless to even bother. But I didn’t and that’s because I truly believe that change starts within yourself.
I have never felt so alive and driven. I get out of bed in the morning with a sense of purpose and at the end of the day I feel as I have accomplished something. One day at the time.
And then I realized why I feel so amazing. For once I am doing something for the greater good as opposed to just for myself or my family.
That however is my story; there are so many other ways one can make a difference. So many causes, so many ways to give back. And each time we do, our lives and the lives of others are deeply touched and enriched.
And if you are sitting there thinking: ’Whatever lady, who are you to preach? We have jobs, kids and bills to pay, no time to think about much else’ I invite you to take a good look inside of you. Tell me: are you truly satisfied? Do you lead a fulfilling life or do you come home and turn the TV on to stop you from thinking, from looking inwards? Do you feel as your are making a difference in the short time that we are given here on Earth?
I truly believe that everybody has a purpose in life, or many for that matter. We were not put on this planet to just eat, sleep, work till retirement and then die.
We were given great knowledge and skills so that we could put them at good use and it would be a crime if we just let it all go to waste due to apathy, laziness or fear.
We all have the ability to dedicate ourselves to humanity, the planet. It’s the willingness to put excuses aside, to step out of our comfort zone, that needs a good push.
So please wake up tomorrow and start the day thinking: how can I make difference today? How can I give?
* DID YOU KNOW?
- Animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions, more than the combined exhaust from all transportation while livestock and their byproducts account for 51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
- 2,500 gallons of water are needed to produce 1 pound of beef.
- 477 gallons of water are required to produce 1lb. of eggs; almost 900 gallons of water are needed for 1lb. of cheese. - 1,000 gallons of water are required to produce 1 gallon of milk.
- Animal agriculture is the leading cause of species extinction, ocean dead zones, water pollution, and habitat destruction.
- Animal agriculture is responsible for up to 91% of Amazon destruction; 1-2 acres of rainforest are cleared every second.
- 3/4 of the world’s fisheries are exploited or depleted.