Robin Wall Kimmerer

I had a different post planned for this week, but I just listened to the most amazing speaker at the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education’s Fall Conference. Robin Wall Kimmerer is the author of one of my favorite books, Braiding Sweetgrass. If you don’t know it, please put it on your list.

The first line in her talk captures exactly what I was hoping “Make a Difference Mondays” would help people to do, whoever you are, wherever you are.

“Be the embodiment of the ideas you believe.”

What do you believe in? What are your values? Where does your focus lie when you make decisions? It’s different for each of us, but if we go into the world with the mindset of bringing our beliefs directly to our actions, we will make a difference in the world.

Dr. Kimmerer’s talk was based on viewing our relationship with the Earth as a reciprocal relationship and how we can use our gifts to give back, in payment for all that the Earth does for us. It’s a culture of gratitude, and it can make all the difference in how you approach each day.

What is your way to practice gratitude? How will you use your gifts today?