It is funny how some people take the term “Tree Hugger” in a negative light.
I was asked by a few people how my holidays were and what my kids got for Christmas presents. Before I could expound upon how awesome it was to be home and enjoy a nice time with my family, someone stated “she probably just gave her kids some granola and sticks to play with since she is a tree hugger.”
It was clear that this person did not know me and also did not understand that I take the statement “Tree Hugger – Planet Lover” to heart. Instead of trying my best to explain what type of a person I am, I shrugged it off by stating that “Yes, we had a waste-free Christmas and we tried our best to buy all local gifts not made overseas.”
Sometimes when you live your life in a truly sustainable fashion, people tend to pick on and poke fun. They don’t really understand why you do what you do and they are a bit afraid that you might know something that they do not. They feel better about themselved by putting others down and dismissing that there could be anything more than what they know to be true.
I’ve spent most of my life in education and awareness campaigns working with the general public. The biggest thing that I have learned is that only when a person is ready and willing, will they ever truly understand it. It is sort of like that high school algebra class (that I took – which by the way Thanks! Mrs. Wagner) that doesn’t make sense until you really listen and digest the material. I spent a whole year watching and listening to algebra lessons and by the end of the year I still didn’t get it. I remember writing on my final exam “See you next year!” It wasn’t until I made the decision that I was really going to learn it and participate, that any of it made sense.
Being “Green” isn’t just about recycling. Being “Green” is about understanding the connection and responsibility that we have with our environment and community.
My challenge to you:
Place yourself in the path of positive people who can encourage you in your endeavors. Stop trying to convert others to your ways. Other people will see by your actions what wonderful things you are doing and they might even join you.
