The Journey Counts As Well
Well friends, looks like we have stepped into the new year and the new decade with the ominous orange of Australia’s wildfires as the backdrop and the possibility of yet another US-triggered war in the Middle East looming large in the foreground. Amid all this tumult, it’s a little hard to hold up the idea that another world is on her way. Our days are so rarely quiet that we can hardly ever hear her breathing. But I do believe she’s out there somewhere. And when I allow myself some time to reflect, I always return convinced that we’ve simply got to keep striving to nurture her, to help her grow and prosper the best we can.
Will we succeed in this task? I don’t know. Whatever the outcome, at least we will rest in the knowledge that we had the guts enough to try. As climate scientist Kate Marvel expressed so beautifully: “Courage is the resolve to do well without the assurance of a happy ending.”
This new year, I wish all us the strength and courage to keep going, even as we face steep odds. And also moments of laughter, and kindness, and joy. As David Brower used to say: “Have a good time saving the world, or you’re just going to depress yourself.”
Maureen Nandini Mitra
Editor, Earth Island Journal
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