UMU Green Raiders

I like to deal with stress by getting outside - taking a walk in the woods, walking my dog through the neighborhood, or sitting on my back porch.  I think that being a listening ear for others, allowing them to vent is a good way to help others cope with stress.  

Being more mindful while eating has made me really appreciate the food that I have to eat - to really take time to savor each bite and think about where it came from.  

today, I made an effort to go outside and be with nature by having my breakfast outside in my backyard :) it was beautiful and crisp and great sweater weather, and jumpstarted productivity for the day.

I think that gratitude helps us understand how much we truly need to work with other people in the world to improve our current situation.  An understanding of our reliance on our community and a deep desire to be in community with others can and will make us more mindful citizens, which in turn can exert positive change.   

Slowing down and being mindful has helped me examine and reorganize my life priorities.  

In order to be a community in the first place, people must rally together, support one and other, and most importantly get along.

In light of this challenge, I have been trying to find ways to use less single-use items.  Before the challenge I was already using reusable items as well. Examples of new reusable items I’m using include reusable grocery bags, reusable washable sandwich bags and reusable metal straws; I love them all!

My challenge is going well! Eating less meat has been the hardest challenge but completing it makes it worth it!

Since we are a well developed country, many people have the wealth to eat meat for almost every meal.  In less developed countries it is common for people to eat mainly vegetarian meals. It is hard to shift a meat centered country but the more educated people become on the topic, the less meat we will eat as a country.

I have been blessed with so many wonderful things in my life.  Sometimes I take these things for granted and think that I am solely responsible for these positive outcomes, when in fact I owe so much to others.  My husband, parents, siblings, family, and friends have influenced, supported, prayed for, and advised me in so many positive ways and...