As long as I can remember, Dr. Jane Goodall has been one of the main influences in my love for nature.
“What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Dr. Jane Goodall
I remember back to my childhood when my grandmother would take us on trips to the zoo and we would ride the train to see the chimpanzees. They were my favorite animal to learn about because they seemed to resemble us as humans in more ways than most animals did. This fascination led me to watching the documentary, People of The Forest, and then a school biography project where I got to know Dr. Goodall on a deeper level.
Though I never had the pleasure to meet her in person, or see her speak, I would use the words gentle, kind, thoughtful, and intelligent to describe her. Her activist efforts towards peace on earth and compassion for all species leaves us with a large shoe to fill.
Throughout my youth I knew her as the chimpanzee whisperer. Over the years, my respect for her grew because of the advocate she was for all of nature and humanity.
It amazes me how few people see the world the way that she did. Her appreciation for nature, animals, and empathy towards our planet was refreshing when it should be more of a norm.
Her influence has led me to truly notice all living things, big and small. Her legacy has taught me to lead with compassion, and to do my best to advocate for a healthier earth.
Despite being a mother of a busy child, professional in the world, and barely remembering what day it is most of the time – because of Dr. Goodall, I make an active effort to appreciate nature in some way, everyday.
Today, I found a shady spot under a tree, listened to the birds, watched the squirrels chase, and enjoyed my lunch with a colony of ants trying to fight me. I thought of all the days Dr. Jane had spent deep in the jungle, listening to the conversations of the apes. There is infinite wisdom to be gathered from our natural surroundings.
Her passing has sparked a fire within me. There was an ember that was already burning, though this news has left me with a call to be more for our natural world. While technology takes over, and people dig their heads into distraction, I believe it is up to those of us who are deeply connected to nature to be the inspiration.
Dr. Jane Goodall lived every day pursuing preservation, peace, and making the natural world a priority.
The challenge before us is to keep that fire glowing. She impacted many, including me. If I could sit with her over a cup of tea today, I’d thank her for the life lessons to love nature and treat every living with compassion.
May her precious soul rest in peace.
To learn more about Dr. Jane Goodall and the work she leaves behind, you can visit her website here.
