Dear Tomorrow,

Your beauty, intelligence, and resilience will astonish me, but I’m worried that your future may be dull or bleak. The climate is changing drastically and the beauty and hope I have witnessed in my lifetime, that has inspired me so much, may be gone. I want you to be able to see the strength and nurturing nature of this earth; to appreciate its existence in its simplicity. However, the way our society is headed may lead to a different world for you.

This issue plagues my mind. Every day I try to get outside and embrace nature, even in the city. We are connected to this earth, physically we depend on it, but there is another level of understanding and connection that can be reached with the earth. I may be seen as a hippie tree hugger, but it’s well worth it. I’ve gotten to see so much of this world and I’m troubled that too many take it for granted. Astonishingly, some don’t even believe climate change exists. It scares me that the majority might only believe when its affecting us all, and that’s too late.

Awareness is key. Learning about this issue can seem like a small effort compared to other actions, but it’s the most important. I’m sure I have taught you well, just as my mother has taught me. Please, share this understanding and love. Connect with others to create change. I started small by trying to live more environmentally friendly. From being vegetarian to vegan, walking and biking, just using less energy in general.

Hopefully, in my lifetime, I have helped create systemic change. Policy change is essential to saving our planet. One example, is the use of fossil fuels. My plan and hope for my future is to continually learn about climate change and spread awareness. As a collective we have so much power and can better our lives. By building communities and having intentional dialogue with others, I strive to change perspectives, help others understand and adjust daily habits. We must pave the path for you. To be cheesy, we are the raindrop and you will be our ripples. I want you to embrace the world and if that means save it, try with all your might like I am.

All my love,
Shelby