My first post

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Living deliberating is a challenge in this 21st century consumer society. I find myself struggling on a daily basis to avoid certain foods, behaviors, and activities that I think are detrimental to myself, my body, and the Earth. I feel such a big disconnect between myself and the people I interact with in life/work because people don't understand my point of view. At times I feel stuck in a society that has little direction or values. Now, that's a very broad generalization...But honestly. We (in the United States, at least) live in a world where people are obsessed with gossip, designer clothing, disposable relationships, disposable goods, electronics, quick fixes, discount deals and budget warehouses, consumer loyalty cards, ignorance, et al. I personally can't keep up with it and don't want to. I want to simplify my life in order to make my existence more meaningful. I care about the environment; urban design; how cities grow, shrink, and change; consumer behavior; volunteering; shared consumerism; infrastructure; DIY projects and self sufficiency; supporting local/emerging economies; art and more. These are topics I'd like to talk with other people about. I'm not an expert in anything in particular, though I do have a Bachelor's degree in Business & Marketing (contradictory, some would say, but that's for another day and another blog post!). What I do have are ideas, passion, & excitement for changes. I might not have much experience (again, relative...) but I am the type that jumps in and gets started right away. Anyway, I'll end my ramble and continue on to actual content on this new blog. But I must leave you with a few quotes that guide me-

"Every great wizard in history has started out as nothing more than what we are now: students. If they can do it, why not us?" - Harry Potter as written by J.K. Rowling

It may seem silly but this quote sticks with me. I am a die-hard Harry Potter fan, but it also describes an attitude of empowerment; no one started out an expert, or a CEO, or even a community activist. They were driven by a goal and simply made people listen to their ideas/mission/values. I want to become a postive change agent in the same way.

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life...and reduce it to its lowest terms, and, if it proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world."

I was introduced to Thoreau the way that many students are: in my rhetorical literature class. At the time, I was tempted to say, "Wow, I don't understand what this crazy fool is thinking" because that's what everyone  else in my class murmured while avoiding my instructor's gaze (& implicit request to analyze the text!). But to be honest with myself, I fully understood his message. We need to truly live in order to understand why life is important. We need to experience things for ourselves, and seek out joy in the natural order of things. I even used one of his other extraordinary quotes as my yearbook statement upon graduating. No regrets! 

So, I leave you with these thoughts. Hopefully my intention isn't confusing; either way the true nature of my message will unfold as I express it throughout the posts. 

Carpe diem xoxo Becca