|
Have you heard of the #oneword movement? I just found out about it last night but my word came to mind immediately. So immediate that my husband's coworker had not even finished his sentence before I knew what it would be. So what is One Word? In a short explanation, it is the idea that by focusing on one word you can inspire yourself to change your life ... one word at a time. The book and experiment have a religious base to them but if you aren't religious I think it is still a powerful idea. It's simple really. Envision the kind of person you want to be. Think about the traits and characteristics that person may have and then, pick a word. That's it. One word to describe your ideal you. Look at your word every day. Whenever faced with a choice, consider your one word prior to choosing a path. When it feels weird or unnatural, try to focus on your word and give it a go. Change isn't easy and it isn't fast. The idea is that by committing to a word to view the world and your choices through, you can escape the promises and resolutions that may break easily. You're not committing to a certain thing or change, just a change in the way you view choices and the world. This may not be the way you view the One Word experiment and that is okay. This is how I've interpreted the project and look forward to the idea of changing a little bit at a time to become a better me. For 2015, my word is  This year, we had made a resolution to go camping at least 12 times. Explore takes it to the next level. Explore, to me, means that given the chance to try something new, I'll take it. Try new camping areas, go out on a limb with work projects, try to write a book, visit new locations, and be open to new ideas. I'm excited for 2015. It will be a great year and my one word will ensure there are ups and downs. The experiences may not always be positive but at least they will be something new. I love the idea that new opportunities are always just around the corner, if only you are willing to see them. If you already love the One Word project, or just heard about it by reading here, what is your 'one word' for 2015?
 I've just returned from my trip to Philmont Scout Ranch as a Visiting Forester and the experience was fantastic. I am so glad I decided to go back to a place I love and teach the scouts about fire ecology, forestry, and the complexity of forest ecosystems. Located in northeast New Mexico, Philmont is a magical place for scouts to experience near-wilderness and learn the true meaning of "team" as they embark on twelve day backpacking treks of 50 miles or more. The Scouts must carry all their food (four days worth at a time) and supplies, including water and shelter. In addition, theymust work together to set up camp, ensure bear safety procedures are followed, cook meals, and navigate. While there are two or more adult leaders present, they are strongly encouraged to let the scouts do all the work, make mistakes, and work through the mistakes to ensure the crew arrives at each camp safely. Philmont is a life-changing experience that I was lucky enough to take part in twice as a scout; in 2004 and 2006.  I was one of many Visiting Foresters this summer and taught approximately 800 scouts and advisers about the forested ecosystem they were hiking through, a ponderosa pine/mixed conifer forest. The main forest issue we discussed was the overly-dense forest conditions due to the loss of its natural fire rotation. The exclusion of fire from this fire-dependent ecosystem was mainly due to agricultural needs (grazing livestock) of the late 1800's and fire suppression of the early to mid 1900's.
I recommend this opportunity to any practicing forester who is interested in giving back to the youth, the land, and/or the scouts. You'll teach scouts, advisers, Philmont staff, and more while staying in the back country for a week. You might even help a youth or college student learn about the great industry of natural resources management or in my case, the cooperative Extension service.
Additionally, if you are a company, consultant, or other forest-product industry professional interested in helping Philmont thin, please feel free to contact me and I'll help get you in contact with the forest managers out there. Interested in the details of this program including our education topics and conservation efforts? Click "Read More" in the bottom right-hand corner. I'm preparing for my week at Philmont Scout Ranch this week and having been out of the backcountry for at least a year, realized I needed a lot of new gear. I'm not hiking a trek like most visiting Philmont this summer, but I will be at in the backcountry for seven nights.  Group photo on my last day on the trail, 2006. I haven't packed into mountain terrain in almost six years and completely forgot how quickly the temperatures will drop when the sun drops below the mountains.
Thankfully, a colleague volunteered with the same program a few weeks ago and reminded me how used to the warm weather we are in Florida. Let's just say, I am not prepared for the 40F nights I'll see in New Mexico. Items that needed replacing included:
When I return from the trip, I'll review the products purchased as well as summarize the trip and what I learned from it. I am beyond thrilled to return to Philmont Scout Ranch. The fact that I can go back to one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited and teach? I cannot express in words how thankful I am. |
The
|
RSS Feed
