Stay in Oceanside offered a mesmerizing reminder of nature's charm
Such experiences help us remember
why we are fighting to save our planet.
"The rhythm of the waves, the sounds, the sense of limitless wonder, and the vastness of the earth, sky, and sea mesmerized me."
The Paris Olympics aims to be the most environmentally sustainable event ever. While the Olympics strives to achieve sustainability at an international venue, it is the perfect time for us to start doing our part on a personal level.
I have been an environmental educator with a Ph.D. in environmental science for 35 years. I taught at the University of California, Berkeley, and discovered that experiencing nature is the first step toward taking action against climate change. Feeling the powerful presence of the natural world helps us remember why we are fighting to save our planet.
I renewed my bond with the natural world while living on the beach in Oceanside, California. Every day, I experienced the breathtaking beauty and magnificence of the ocean.
Right after college in California, I went to New York City to experience life in a big city. I tried to hold memories of my beloved California ocean while living in the middle of Times Square. But, alas, I returned to California because I missed its sunshine and beaches. Back in my home state and alma mater, I drove from San Diego to Orange County along the coast, searching for an affordable oceanfront rental.
That's when I discovered Robert's Cottages near the pier at Oceanside Beach—two rows of red cottages on the beach. Wilma, the caretaker, offered me a 400-square-foot tiny home. I was thrilled. It was the perfect setting to relax and unwind after ten years of living in Times Square.
This is Carole in front of her cottage at Oceanside.
Every morning, I walked along the beach, gathering shells in a bag, breathing in sunshine and fresh air, and renewing my connection with nature. I carried a pen and pieces of paper inside the bag because I was so inspired; I wanted to capture my feelings on paper. I turned those phrases into my favorite poem about seashells, which brings back magical memories of Oceanside each time I read it.
I love nature. I love our Planet—all the plants, animals, and people living together. We are all part of nature. We must act now to renew our relationship with the natural world and mitigate climate change.
I'll never forget my aunt and mother driving from northern California with Thanksgiving dinner in their trunk. We celebrated Thanksgiving on the beach at the picnic table next to my cottage—family, sun, surf, sand, and fun being close to nature.
We can all nurture our connection with the natural world by experiencing nature in our daily lives. Our love of nature will be renewed and embedded in our hearts, motivating us to take action to end environmental devastation.
After moving to a larger oceanfront home in Oceanside, I spent hours gazing out the window overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The rhythm of the waves, the sounds, the sense of limitless wonder, and the vastness of the earth, sky, and sea mesmerized me. Time seemed to stop for me—no worries, no fears. I became one with nature. I was at peace. I was energized and renewed. I was connecting with nature.
By rekindling our relationship with the natural world, we can experience Mother Nature's wonder and magnificence, remembering why we want to protect our planet and stop further devastation from climate change.
When you come home tonight, take a moment before you go inside. Stop. Turn around and look up at the sky. Close your eyes and feel the air, sun, or coolness. Then open your eyes and watch the clouds, sun, rain, or snow intermingle with your life.
Nature is always there, outside our door, waiting to inspire us with all its magical wonders and magnificence. I am hopeful for a future where we can all live together in harmony with nature in a peaceful and sustainable world.