The Shameless Request
Please share Wiser Now Wednesday with anyone you think might be interested, and if you represent an organization that would like a customized version, send me a note at Kathy@WiserNow.com.

The Quirky Quote
Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon. ~ Doug Larson

The Quirky Facts
Walking or relaxing in green spaces has scientifically proven benefits to our overall wellbeing and may even boost our immune systems. Mother Nature herself is often depicted as green. Symbolically, it has a few negative connotations, such as jealousy, envy, and being ill (green around the gills), but far more positive ones: growth, rejuvenation, renewal, fertility, abundance, balance, hope, healing, harmony, heaven, health, wealth, vitality, success, joy. And if you are really into symbolism, you can sort out various shades of green: lime green is associated with youth and playfulness, emerald green with both material and emotional wealth, grass green with security, and so on. See Resources, if you want to learn more.

As for songs, this site lists dozens from the holiday carol “Greensleeves” to “Greenback Dollar” to “Little Green Apples” to “The Green, Green Grass of Home” to spring’s “Green Grow the Lilacs.” Time for a little karaoke!

The Quirky Observation
It’s time to change the image: Jane Elliot wrote: “We don't need a melting pot in this country, folks. We need a salad bowl. In a salad bowl, you put in the different things. You want the vegetables - the lettuce, the cucumbers, the onions, the green peppers - to maintain their identity. You appreciate differences.”  Just one more way that being green makes sense.

The Question
In what ways do you use nature to restore and uplift you? Share with me (Kathy@WiserNow.com) or with family and friends.

Featured Product

The charity I am highlighting this week is, of course, about preserving nature. The goals of Conservation International  (https://www.conservation.org/) are to protect the Earth's richest regions of plant and animal diversity and demonstrate that human societies can live harmoniously with nature.  Founded in 1987, CI works in more than 40 countries on four continents to help societies adopt a sustainable approach to development that considers and values nature at every turn. This charity has a 4-star (the highest rating) from Charity Navigator, and what I especially like about it is its broad scope that goes beyond tree-hugging to applying innovations in science, economics, policy,and community participation. A green Earth is a Good Earth.