Dear future self,

I jut got back from Desolation Wilderness.  It was absolutely stunning!  I’ve also had the joy of visiting the Lost Coast, Sequoia National Park, Mt. Whitney, and other incredible places this summer!  Being in nature is so restorative to my mind, especially combined with physical exercise, lack of cell phone service, and fantastic friends.  These places fuel my positive energy in the rest of my life.

I wonder often what these places will look like in 50 years. Will the lakes still be deep and blue? Will the forests still exist? Will over-visitation kill them? Or drought? Or some other effect of climate change? Its a depressing train of thought. It somehow feels indulgent and egoistical to enjoy these places now, knowing that my children or grandchildren may not be able to.

My climate activism comes as much from equal parts guilt and hope. But guilt isn’t a good organizing strategy; its stagnating. This week I’m focusing personally on bringing positive, hopeful energy to my climate work. Hope is contagious, and thats what this movement needs.  Hope, love, and solutions.

Future self, I commit to fighting this climate crisis with everything I got. Hang on to your hope and positive energy! That’s what works. And its a heck of a lot more fun.