I really seem to be drawn to the more deep questions that life presents to us, in whatever form they take. Today it's a question that @galenkp has asked, as part of his Weekend Engagement initiative. When I read the post first, I thought about answering the question, about what book I'm reading this weekend. Because when I was in Ireland, my mum gifted me a wonderful book, that yes I will share on here but not today. Today I wanted to tackle another, one that asks how I justify my existence on this earth.
What a loaded question. To try and show how deserving I am of life, because that is what that question means to be, that I have to prove my worth. Imagine if a time came where your life was in the hands of another and you did have to prove your worth, that you have the right to life. Right now, with everything that is happening, I certainly feel very privileged to live where I do and to have been born into a safe country That I can travel freely, wake up not fearing for my life, when so many in the world today do.
My aim is to leave a very small footprint on this earth. To spend my time, trying to add to it, instead of taking away from it. To work towards making it a better place. To be in service to the earth. To work with the land, feed the soil, plant trees. To live simply, to only buy what I need and that's only if I can't recycle or trade for it. This is a daily practice for me. It's why I live as I do.
Being aware of the resources I need to live and only taking what I really need. I collect the water that I need each day, water for washing and for drinking. I grow some of my own food, as well as forage for some of it. I'm lucky to live in a place where there is an abundance of food growing around me. Fruit trees, nut trees and wonderful wild herbs. The herbs I also use as medicine. Which really cuts down on my spending and the amount of waste, that me and my girls create.
I would also like to think that I am a valued member of my community. I have been involved in a few initiatives that have helped the community to grow. I also love to help where I can, be it in a physical or emotional way. I have ran women's group and held community gatherings, from kids groups to community celebrations that incorporate the changing of the seasons. Community is very important to me.
At the moment I am involved in wonderful project called Nomads, which is all about creating social and cultural events in our community. We like to use different venues/spaces to hold markets, musical events, workshops and talks, all with the aim to bring people together whilst spreading awareness about the many things that affect humanity and the world at large.
But to be honest, the most important thing I am doing, is being a mother to my children, trying my best to be a good role model and instil in them a passion for helping other beings and taking care of the earth. Whilst holding space for them to become who they are meant to be.
So, I guess I justify my existence by being the best I can be and staying true to who I am.
