What a strange day – filled with a good deal of frustration (just little things and not really worth mentioning) – but it’s interesting how small things can itch your mind.

And then, thank goodness, I listened to an astounding poet on CBC driving back from town – and got inspired. Poetry, writing, profound thinking, nature, sunshine – these things can change my world.

And then I read what Elizabeth May had to say at the emergency climate debate in Ottawa. You can scroll down her FB page and read (or watch) the entire thing.

https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMayGreenLeader/

And then I started thinking. I am aware of a ton of things – too many perhaps. But there are several that get me “het up.”

One is women’s issues – I can’t believe we are still fighting for the same rights we were fighting for 50 years ago.

And then there are politics – I am furious that we are being ruled by oligarchs (corporations) in a pretend democracy.

And then there’s our planet.

I believe that if I am to be even the tiniest bit effective, I will have to channel my energy into one of these – the shotgun approach doesn’t work so well. Pick your fight – focus – and then give it all you’ve got.

Clearly, the environment has to take precedence. If we don’t have a planet to live on, clean water to drink and clean air to breathe, then all the rest of it doesn’t really come into play.

Focus. First, what can I personally do? Yes, our situation is the result of manipulative corporations, bought politicians and lack of political will, but each person can also make a difference. We do it with our vote, with protests, with every tool available to us – and also with where we put our money and our attention.

I have done what so many have – made changes that don’t really affect my comfort all that much: no more plastic bags (except for meat products – duh!), grow food, use biodegradable cleaning products, go vegetarian – not enough.

I can be more aware of what I eat. I can change my transportation – get an electric bike. I can make my life a good deal less convenient. I can up my awareness on every single action I take every day. And yes, I will make a list – and I will do it assiduously.

And I will look at political action. It’s not enough to say we need political action – I need to be part of that action – to institute change – to get involved.

Even if we fail, at least I’ll know that I did my best.

This call to action has been coming on and brewing inside me for a while – I think that seed has just germinated.

It’s time to act – and to act drastically and dramatically.