flow with the universe

"A Stroke of Insight"- Jil Bolte

Reinventing Fuel, Reinventing Life

When I envision my future I see myself living in a house powered by solar and wind energy, driving an electric or algae fueled car, and growing my own fruits and vegetables in my backyard garden. And I don't think I will be alone.

So many clean and sustainable energy innovations have been showing up in my space recently-- its so exciting! Its incredibly easy to get sucked into the we've-already-trashed-the-planet-there's-nothing-we-can-do-about-it-now-why-change-our-habbits-let's-just-keep-doing-what-we're-doing-syndrome, a.k.a complaining and seeing no possibility for the future. But there is an abundance of extraordinary research, innovations and ideas that can free us from our dependence on fossil fuels NOW. Many clean-energy sources are already in use. The next steps are to produce infinite, accessible and cheap clean-energy.

Below is a film, article and television show that get me PUMPED about the reinvention of fuel and reinvention of life as we know it. I think this is such an exciting time to be alive and to experience this tremendous and necessary shift in the way we use energy. My generation will be the first who will have the choice to move forward and choose reinvented fuel and a totally reinvented life. Let's choose it.

The Fuel Film is an awesome documentary about how to transform our relationship with oil. It's worth watching from start to finish.

I was flipping though TV guide the other night and stumbled upon a new channel, Planet Green and a new show called Powering the Future. CHECK IT OUT. I learned so much about what's possible for energy on the planet in just a 30 minute episode. DO IT!

A few days ago my mom was talking about getting a new car when our Honda Civic's lease is up this year. She wants to get a Mercedes. I suggested getting a hybrid. These are even better!

Water we going to do?

While checking out at the grocery store today, I was both amused and disturbed by a man shouting numbers as he tossed one plastic water bottle after the other into the recycling bin. 56 plastic water bottles. He announced it to the entire store and informed James the number was 56 (I think James was the manager or person who deals with recycling-- clearly loud-water-bottle-guy does this on the regular). I had two immediate reactions. Well, initially I was just laughing because loud-water-bottle-guy was intensely dripping sweat and causing a commotion in Foodtown, but after I registered what he was doing, I was excited to see someone recycling. My second reaction was, damn that's a lot of plastic!

I've been reading and researching and thinking a lot lately about consuming. How can we not take a step back and reflect on our habits after watching oil spew into the ocean for the past 3 months. The plastic water bottle industry is one of many that persuades and scares consumers into thinking we need their product. Annie Leonard explains in her video, The Story of Bottled Water, how buying and drinking from plastic water bottles is a vicious cycle that destroys what we need most...clean, natural water.

For the past year, I have become inseparable from my klean kanteen watter bottle. I used to go through 5 or 6 Poland Spring water bottles a day, but now I just refill my canteen! I sadly left my supercool red one on a bus in New Zealand (maybe a nice Kiwi found it and is spreading the Klean Kanteen love in Queenstown), but thankfully replaced it with simple aluminum a few weeks ago. I never leave home with out it.

Invest in a reusable canteen! Say no to plastic. Stay hydrated. Protect the earth's most valuable resource.

Be An Angel

For as long as I can remember I've had this "Be an Angel" poster hanging in my room. Beneath the cute little girls is a list of 18 examples on how to BE and angel. I've always thought this poster was adorable, but the other day I actually read it through and found a new appreciation for the advice! I love it because its simple and simple is always best.

Reach for the stars

We hear this phrase all the time growing up, but it is so important to keep creating goals that are bigger than ourselves. Dive into the imagination you had when you were six-years-old and anything in the universe was possible (it still is)!

Share your favorite things with others

My six-year-old self interpreted this as "share your toys with your friends, sharing is caring, etc." Now, I think it means to share who you are with the world. Everyday, every person you have a conversation with, share with them what you're passionate about! Being self-expressed and inspiring others is the best feeling.

Keep your halo polished

Take care of yourself-- emotionally and physically.

Show respect for older people

I learn the most when I approach people with the intention they have something to teach me, something to contribute. I think my generation is especially skeptical about listening to older generations because we tend to think they don't "get our lifestyle" or "the modern digital world." However, our elders have so much insight, so many stories and infinite lessons to teach us. They're going to share them regardless, so it would make sense to be quiet and just listen.

Always mind your manners

Say your "please" and "thank you's," they really make a difference.

Make friends with someone who is shy

Befriending someone who may not have as loud a voice or outgoing a personality as you could make a significant difference in their lives. This action will encourage and empower them to be self-expressed.

Plant a garden for the butterflies

Create a space for natural beauty to live with you and around you.

Say at least one nice thing to someone everyday

Instead of complaining about how slow your barista is making your coffee, compliment her on her beautiful smile. If you are totally inspired by a lecture your professor gives, let him or her know! Acknowledge your friends, family and the people you love for being who they are.. every day!

Never make fun of anyone

Now I love me some sarcasm, but there is a time and a place for jokes. I get caught up in it all the time, gossiping that is, but I always feel all icky when I'm doing it. Don't get down if you catch yourself being not-so-nice, just acknowledge you're doing it and create something positive instead!

Make your bed every morning

Take care of your home. Your bed is your sanctuary, keep it tidy.

Talk to plants to help them grow

Be kind to the earth! With everything we take from her, the mother of all living things deserves some lovin' in return!

Think happy thoughts

When I get in "blah" moods (we all get in them) and nothing seems to excite me or get me to snap me out of it, I make a list of my favorite things/ what I'm grateful for. Whether it be my fabulous friends, making guacamole or swimming in the ocean, just thinking about little things I love reminds me my mood is just negative thoughts and I can change them every moment.

Don't make too much noise when you flap your wings

We all have opinions. We all have things we are passionate about-- issues that really burn for us. It is so, so important to share your thoughts in a way that inspire people rather than make them wrong so you can be right. Instead of trying to flap your wings louder than everyone, just flap and lead by example. People will follow.

Clean up after yourself. Clean up after others

We are responsible for the messes we make.. and not just washing our dishes after dinner. We can't assume someone else will clean up the mess. For example, the oil spill in the gulf. We can blame the oil companies until our faces turn blue, but it is all of our messes.

Donate part of your allowance to a worthy cause

Find a cause that inspires you and support it! Every week, every month or even once a year, donate a portion of your savings to the cause. If you can't donate money, donate yourself, your voice and your time. Speak up and spread awareness about the issue.

Always tell the truth

Not only should we always tell the truth literally, but also be true to ourselves. I get an uneasy feeling when I am not being true to what I stand for and what I care about. People may not agree with your opinions or who you are, but keep being you.

Be patient with those who don't fly as fast as you do

I tend to take on things that simply cannot be accomplished by one person. When expressing yourself and sharing your ideas with people you care about, be patient. Patience is a constant teacher in my life, reminding me that although every person and living thing moves at their own pace and rhythm, when we stop, acknowledge and empower them, we can powerfully work together.

Sprinkle a little stardust wherever you go

Everywhere you go, every person you meet, shine your light. Share yourself and give yourself away. Especially when you feel out of place, out of your comfort zone, confused or scared, those are the most powerful times to shine, shine, shine!

Now go be an angel!

With love and stardust,

Alex

Let's Play

I still refer to hanging out with my friends or doing what I love to do as "playing." Being playful and joyous and silly is important no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake. I plan on playing for the rest of my life! In order for an adult to have fun and learn through playing--to even know what it means to play-- they naturally played as a child. Of course, formal education is necessary and valuable for children, but they gain so much from PLAYING, just being kids. Being able to try new things, explore the unknown, socialize and laugh with friends, make mistakes, try again, and little by little discover your place in the world are significant pieces of childhood. Playing dress up at my birthday tea party, getting my American Girl Doll ready for school and making up obstacle courses for my friends to do on the jungle gym were all meaningful experiences for my childhood. At the time, I was just having fun and being a kid. I had no idea how much I was learning and how lucky I was.

There are boys and girls all over the world whose unfortunate circumstances took away their childhood. Poverty, violence and serious illnesses are just some of the things that deprive children of playtime. Not being able to play and have a carefree childhood significantly affects a child as they grow up and try to engage with the world. The Life is Good Kids Foundation is an incredible non-profit organization that is committed to helping children over come life-threatening challenges. The foundation addresses an epidemic not many people are aware of. Dedicated volunteers commit their time to help children express themselves, have fun, be creative and be part of a loving community.

A chain of three events (experiences/people) led me to The Life is Good Kids Foundation.

1. While studying abroad in Sydney, Australia last semester I interned with Barnardos Australia, a non-profit that supports children affected by poverty, abuse and neglect. I was blown away by the tremendous compassion and determination people have to ensure these kids have a childhood—because until every child on the planet has a healthy, happy and safe life, there is still work to be done. Although I interned in the corporate public relations department, my experience at Barnardos reawakened me to my passion for kids.

2. With summer around the corner, the only thing I knew was I was not sitting at a desk everyday. I knew I wanted to make a difference and work with kids so I contacted Sunrise Day Camp, which is for kids with cancer and their siblings. I have been working at Sunrise for two weeks and am so inspired by my campers—I haven’t been so happy to wake up in the morning in a while. They are already changing my life, probably more than I’m trying to change theirs.

3. Anyone who knows me knows I’m in love with Jason Mraz. Yes, he’s an adorable and talented musician, but what’s really attractive about him is his commitment to transform the world. When I got an e-mail that he would be performing at The Life is Good Festival in Canton, MA this September, I immediately purchased a ticket. Not only do all ticket proceeds go to the kids foundation, but once you purchase a ticket you have the opportunity to become a V.G.P. (Very Good Person)—get it? Like a VIP, but VGP? Anyways, two of my favorite things—Mraz and empowering children—in one event! How could I not raise money and awareness for this!?

And so I signed up to be a V.G.P (ha, I just get a kick out of that)! My goal is to raise $5,000 for the Life is Good Kids Foundation before the day of the festival. I understand people’s wallets are tight right now, but every dollar helps. Click the support me tab in the upper right hand corner of my fundraising page to donate!

Thank you for your love and support.

Have a playful weekend!

Alex