I’ve been thinking about community lately. Specifically, the components to what make good communities. Of course you can start broad and say schools, safety, infrastructure, housing, jobs, healthcare, etc. Uffda, ehh? These are very important, big MACRO topics and in the big leagues.

Let’s go MICRO instead. How about the smell of fresh blooming trees in the spring as you walk through neighborhoods. Or how people choose to plant and upkeep flowers in their yards? The daffodils are really knocking it out of the park lately! Recently I was reminded how there are people in our community who are certified Master Gardeners. They pay to take endless horticulture classes, take tests, and be told they have to volunteer 40-50 hours in a year. They have to give their skills away for free. For what? If you look online you’ll find: “To educate the public on sustainable gardening practices.” Master Gardeners must really love nature. My take…I think Master Gardeners get it. It’s small choices that make massive impacts for the greater good of communities.

For the greater good. Doing something that you love not knowing the impact you’ll have. Ooooh yea! Can you imagine if everyone was doing this? This doesn’t say become a martyr or self sacrifice to your own detriment. It’s find something you enjoy and share it with others without wanting anything in return.

It is garden season where I live. This time of year, I think about my friend Geneva who lived 100+ years. She used to say “seeds are tiny little miracles.” Heck yes they are! These microscopic things that somehow grow after you accidentally dump the full packet of carrot seed dust into the ground is wild.

Stretching the metaphor here, when we take the smallest actions we make big impacts. To return the cart at the grocery store. To pick up someone else’s flaming bag of dog poo. You never really know if you’re planting a tiny little miracle!

Actions matter.

VAIL VALLEY LOCALS
Two events coming up THIS WEEK if you’re interested.
1) VVMTA Ladies Trail Crew Thursday, Eagle Bike Park. Sign up online please!
2) ERWC Highway Clean Up Saturday 9am-12, I’m leading a team and am currently a party of 1. The commitment is to pick up one mile of trash both sides of the road. Last year we had over 30 bags of trash. Cleaning the same stretch so maybe less trash (fingers crossed)!? Email or text me ASAP if your interested, I was supposed to send in the roster last week.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

― Margaret Mead