What Shade of Green are YOU?

In my research, I have come across many people with various opinions about the green movement. For fun, I have selected three shades of green to describe their eco-friendly commitment.

1. Neon Green, bright and shiny -Those who are passionate about the environment and have become cheerleaders for environmental causes. They learn all they can about how to reduce their carbon footprint and help others do the same.

2. Natural Green, practical and caring -Those who may not be driven by passion for the environment but know this green movement in not something to be ignored.

3. Muddy Green, not really green, more brown- Those who think this whole green thing is just a fad. They carry on as usual and fight any mandates for change….because they hate change.

If you are Neon Green, thank you. The environment needs you to keep the green movement momentum going strong. You are the first responders to an ailing planet and though you may have been seen as radical at first, your efforts are paying off.

If you are Natural Green, thank you. It is the small steps of many that result in large impacts toward a healthier environment. It is your consistency that sustains the movement and leads, by example, others to join.

If you are Muddy Green, well truth be told, if you are muddy green you are probably not reading this. But to those of you, who know Muddy Green people, be kind and lead by example. When they say climate change or global warming is just not real, remind them to look around, see if we can improve the ways in which we use energy efficiently, conserve water and be mindful of what we put in the trash.

We can all “do better”. Start by adding one green strategy; make a habit, then add another. Step by step we will all make a difference.

What shade of Green are you?

A Time to Begin

For me the New Year is always a time to look positively at opportunities that lie ahead. Most of us have experienced a rough 2009. You couldn’t help but be effected even if you had the money to shop you would have noticed the stores are not staffed with enough people to help you. Customer Service in general took a dive when companies across the board made cutbacks. People who had jobs were over worked and many people lost jobs for prolonged periods of time. People who “did everything right” lost home values, savings, credit leverage and self esteem. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been affected by these economic times. And I’ve never seen such widespread, global affect as well.

Now more than ever is the time for a fresh look at the blessings you have. There will always be someone who has more than you and always be those with less. This is what adds contrast and interest to our lives. Chasing our dreams, accomplishing goals and declaring new ones are what gives us purpose, and a sense of purpose is the source to true happiness.

Now, in the beginning of this New Year, or at whatever date you read this is the time to begin. Begin to become aware of the blessings you have. We all experience some type of uneasiness, be it financial, or personal. Don’t let that uneasiness be the focus of your life, look to all of your blessings. They are all around you. Maybe it is the warm bed you lay in each night or the loved one who shares your life. Maybe it is the friendliness of a stranger you met today, or personal wealth and talent you have to share with others. It is the ability to give love but also to receive it. It is especially the time to love you. It doesn’t matter who you are or how much you have, each of us face the challenge of getting up every morning, looking into the mirror, and liking the person looking back.

This year I wish you moments of great passion in pursuing your life’s purpose and the blessings of all things that cost no money but are in fact priceless. I wish you great love, awareness and peace.

Happy New Year!