Of all the inspirational stories I've written about and read, this one may be the best. As a chiropractor in San Diego, this story is very inspiring. It holds the seeds of success in any aspect of your life you choose. All you have to do is plant them. Thirty years ago, in the country of Kenya, 90% of the forest had been chopped down. Without trees to hold the topsoil in place, the land became like a desert. When the women and girls would go in search of firewood in order to prepare the meals, they would have to spend hours and hours looking for what few branches remained.
In this story we will change the name of the woman to Mellisa. Mellisa observed all of this happening. She determined that there must be a way to take improved care of the land and take improved care of the women and girls. So she planted a tree on her area. And then she planted one more. She wanted to plant thousands of trees, but she realized that it would take a very extensive time if she was the only one doing it. So she trained the women who were looking for firewood to plant trees, and they were salaried a small amount for each sapling they grew.
Soon she organized women all over the country to plant trees, and a movement took hold. It was called the Green Belt Movement, and with each passing year, more and more trees covered the land. But something else was happening as the women planted those trees. Something else besides those trees was taking root. The women began to have confidence in themselves. They began to see that they could make a difference. They began to see that they were capable of many things, and that they were equal to the men. They began to recognize that they were deserving of being treated with respect and dignity.
Changes like these were threatening to some. The president of the country didn't like any of this. So police were sent to intimidate and beat Nicole for planting trees, and for planting ideas of equality and democracy in people's heads, especially in women's. She was accused of "subversion" and arrested many times.
Once, while Mellisa was attempting to plant trees, she was beaten by guards hired by developers who wanted the lands unoccupied. She was sent to the hospital with head injury. But she lived, and it only made her realize that she was on the correct path. For roughly thirty years, she was in danger bodily, and she was often made fun of in the media. But she didn't flinch a bit. She only had to stare in the eyes of her three children, and in the eyes of the thousands of women and girls who were blossoming right along with the trees, and she found the strength to continue.
And that is how it came to be that 30 million trees have been planted in Africa. This happened one tree at a time. The landscapes of the people have been transformed. In 2002, the people of Kenya held a democratic election. The president who opposed Catherine and her Green Belt Movement is no longer in office. She is 65 years old. This year she planted one more tree in celebration and thanksgiving for being given a very great honor. Catherine has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
After she was notified, she gave a speech entitled, "What Do Trees Have to Do with Peace?" She pointed out how most wars are fought over limited natural resources, such as oil, land, coltan or diamonds. She called for an end to corporate greed, and for leaders to build more just societies. She added: "Our recent experience in Kenya gives hope to all who have been struggling for a better future. It shows it is possible to bring about positive change, and still do it peacefully. All it takes is courage and perseverance, and a belief that positive change is possible. That is why the slogan for our campaign was 'It is Possible!'"
She stated that when we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and seeds of hope. We also secure the future for our children. I call on those around the world to celebrate by planting a tree wherever you are. On behalf of all African women, I want to express my profound appreciation for this honor, which will serve to encourage women in Kenya, in Africa, and around the world to raise their voices and not to be deterred.
As she received the Nobel Peace Prize, she invited us all to get involved: "Today we are faced with a challenge that calls for a shift in our thinking, so that humanity stops threatening its life-support system. We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our own."
Can we accept Nicole's invitation? As we look around our neighborhood or city, as we look at our own country, what is needed? Where are women and children suffering? Where are people feeling disempowered? Where does the Earth need our help? What is our equivalent of planting one tree?
In our chiropractic clinic in San Diego, we love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times and getting them feeling better! We are here to help you feel better and look younger. You can also find me at my work at New Century Spine Centers in San Diego. Call us, and we will assist you in putting together a customized health plan. You really can afford proper chiropractic care! Don't wait until you are no longer healthy.
In this story we will change the name of the woman to Mellisa. Mellisa observed all of this happening. She determined that there must be a way to take improved care of the land and take improved care of the women and girls. So she planted a tree on her area. And then she planted one more. She wanted to plant thousands of trees, but she realized that it would take a very extensive time if she was the only one doing it. So she trained the women who were looking for firewood to plant trees, and they were salaried a small amount for each sapling they grew.
Soon she organized women all over the country to plant trees, and a movement took hold. It was called the Green Belt Movement, and with each passing year, more and more trees covered the land. But something else was happening as the women planted those trees. Something else besides those trees was taking root. The women began to have confidence in themselves. They began to see that they could make a difference. They began to see that they were capable of many things, and that they were equal to the men. They began to recognize that they were deserving of being treated with respect and dignity.
Changes like these were threatening to some. The president of the country didn't like any of this. So police were sent to intimidate and beat Nicole for planting trees, and for planting ideas of equality and democracy in people's heads, especially in women's. She was accused of "subversion" and arrested many times.
Once, while Mellisa was attempting to plant trees, she was beaten by guards hired by developers who wanted the lands unoccupied. She was sent to the hospital with head injury. But she lived, and it only made her realize that she was on the correct path. For roughly thirty years, she was in danger bodily, and she was often made fun of in the media. But she didn't flinch a bit. She only had to stare in the eyes of her three children, and in the eyes of the thousands of women and girls who were blossoming right along with the trees, and she found the strength to continue.
And that is how it came to be that 30 million trees have been planted in Africa. This happened one tree at a time. The landscapes of the people have been transformed. In 2002, the people of Kenya held a democratic election. The president who opposed Catherine and her Green Belt Movement is no longer in office. She is 65 years old. This year she planted one more tree in celebration and thanksgiving for being given a very great honor. Catherine has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
After she was notified, she gave a speech entitled, "What Do Trees Have to Do with Peace?" She pointed out how most wars are fought over limited natural resources, such as oil, land, coltan or diamonds. She called for an end to corporate greed, and for leaders to build more just societies. She added: "Our recent experience in Kenya gives hope to all who have been struggling for a better future. It shows it is possible to bring about positive change, and still do it peacefully. All it takes is courage and perseverance, and a belief that positive change is possible. That is why the slogan for our campaign was 'It is Possible!'"
She stated that when we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and seeds of hope. We also secure the future for our children. I call on those around the world to celebrate by planting a tree wherever you are. On behalf of all African women, I want to express my profound appreciation for this honor, which will serve to encourage women in Kenya, in Africa, and around the world to raise their voices and not to be deterred.
As she received the Nobel Peace Prize, she invited us all to get involved: "Today we are faced with a challenge that calls for a shift in our thinking, so that humanity stops threatening its life-support system. We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our own."
Can we accept Nicole's invitation? As we look around our neighborhood or city, as we look at our own country, what is needed? Where are women and children suffering? Where are people feeling disempowered? Where does the Earth need our help? What is our equivalent of planting one tree?
In our chiropractic clinic in San Diego, we love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times and getting them feeling better! We are here to help you feel better and look younger. You can also find me at my work at New Century Spine Centers in San Diego. Call us, and we will assist you in putting together a customized health plan. You really can afford proper chiropractic care! Don't wait until you are no longer healthy.
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