Water is Life: A Reflection on Gratitude, Conservation, and Adventure
A journey of appreciation from raindrops to the lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Gratitude - Thanking the Rain 🌧️
I live in Oregon and am so grateful for the rain.
You might feel that rain is a nuisance, a disruption, or gloomy weather, but I know in fact it is a blessing, a source of life, and beautiful even though it will likely rain from fall to spring.
Rain replenishes our water supply, nourishes our plants, and creates rainbows. I have learned to be grateful for the rain, especially after living in places where water is scarce or polluted. I have witnessed the effects of drought, desertification, and contamination on people’s health, livelihoods, and well-being. I have also seen the joy and relief that rain can bring to those who suffer from water insecurity.
Water connects us to nature, to each other, and to ourselves. It inspires us to explore, to learn, to create, and to enjoy.
Conservation - Preserving Our Lifeline for People and Planet 💧
Water is a finite and fragile resource, threatened by climate change, pollution, and overuse. With over two billion people living in countries experiencing high water stress and about four billion people experiencing severe water scarcity at least one month a year, conservation is crucial.
Water scarcity affects not only human health and dignity, but also food security, energy production, biodiversity, and peace.1
That’s why water conservation is crucial for our survival and sustainability. Water conservation to reduce waste and loss, and protect water quality and quantity through simple daily practices of taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, installing low-flow appliances, collecting rainwater, and landscaping with drought-tolerant plants.
Adventure Journeys: Exploring and Enjoying the Water 🌊
Water is not just a necessity, but a source of joy and adventure. Whether it’s discovering new places, exercising outdoors, or simply enjoying the tranquility of a lakeside view, water offers endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
I love being in, on, and under the water, engaging in activities ranging from paddling to floating, cruising, sailing, and swimming. This summer, my water adventures have taken me on incredible journeys from the San Francisco Bay to the Maine coast, and across the diverse landscapes of Oregon, exploring its rivers, lakes, and coastlines.
Whether I’m paddling my kayak in Lake Oswego, swimming or cruising in my small boat on the Willamette River to admire the Portland city views and bridges, or taking a ferry ride across the San Francisco Bay to Angel Island or to Chebeague Island in Maine, these water experiences rejuvenate my energy and help me feel the calmness and serenity of the water and the surrounding nature. Observing the ducks, eagles, geese, and other wildlife adds to the richness of these experiences.
When I venture up to Hood River, I’m captivated by the adrenaline-fueled spectacle of kite sailors showcasing their skills against the river’s stunning backdrop. Visiting the Oregon coast to watch for whales, enjoy the sunset, and marvel at the diversity and wonder of marine life in the tide pools, water restores, refreshes, and renews me.
Please let me know how you appreciate, protect, and enjoy the water in your life. 🌊
https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-scarcity