Pondering.
As 2012 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting upon personal principles. Why do I do what I do? What do I value? Here’s some insight into my inner processing…
PERSPECTIVE
Sustainability is about a holistic, global, long term, systems-thinking approach that includes consideration of environmental, social, economic, political, cultural, and other such facets. Being able to sustain oneself and the planet requires forethought. Problems cannot simply be solved with one-off solutions; we must ensure responsible, viable new models that are respectful of all and largely self-sustaining. We need to see the big picture.
PHILSOPHY
Education is at the crux of it all. Information is freedom. I do not believe it to be paralyzing. The more one knows, the more global and comprehensive one’s frame of reference, the more diverse one’s experience, the more capable one becomes to innovate, branch out, develop ideas, and realize solutions to pressing global challenges. The development of personal philosophies is built on the acquisition of knowledge.
PERSERVERANCE
A person can never been ‘aware enough’ or ‘active enough.’ There is no plateau at which you arrive where the journey of learning or doing ends. I seek to mobilize people to action and raise awareness in all that I do, forging partnerships and activating people – particularly youth – across all sectors, backgrounds and walks of life. The number of entry points and opportunities for discovery and impact are limitless – and the need for action on a local and global scale is critical!
POSITIVITY
If we can live healthier, happier lives, why not do it?! I walk through life with open eyes and ears, become involved, lead by example, and have an absolute ball in the process! Optimism is my guiding principle. Connecting dots and synergizing with like-minded people and businesses is the key to lasting change. We have the tools and resources with which to initiate change, but we must believe that we can actually achieve success – beginning with individual responsibility, while simultaneously urging corporate and government reform. Inaction is the largest issue plaguing society today, so we must vow to change that state of mind and lead this movement for my generation and our shared future.
PASSION
Passion is the vital ingredient in life; with passion and belief in oneself, opportunity exists without bounds. I feel so fortunate to have found mine at a young age. In three simple words: youth, environment, and education sum me up well; those elements burning inside drive me to strive for the impossible. For me, passion is directly linked to dreams, to peace, justice, health and sustainability for all. Passion gives me purpose in life and is thus, woven throughout all I do.
POWER
Active citizenry is in my blood. I am the daughter of a television producer-turned-grassroots activist – and my mother has instilled in me the belief that one person truly can make a difference, that we cannot stand apathetically in the face of injustice or wrongdoings at local or global levels. We, as youth and as citizens of the world, have an incredibly powerful voice and diverse platforms from which to communicate and lead. So BE the change. Let us seize the present moment to bring about a paradigm shift, transition the world from conventional to conscious, and
