What makes our national parks so special?

They are magnificent, inspiring, and uniquely beautiful. Spending a day in one of the parks will make you feel like you've gained another year of life. When we take in the mountains, the threes, lakes, and wildlife, we are reminded of life's full potential on Earth. Life can look this great!

Our national parks are protected for good reason. Protected from what? Well, the answer is us. Given the opportunity, humans will find a way to consume and conquer anything they can, including beautiful, natural spaces. At some level, all of us feel entitled to have more.

Our country has policies that dictate boundaries around what spaces can be developed for resident and commercial development. This way of thinking goes against our Western human instincts to expand, command, and conquer. If our national parks were not protected, people would build homes, attractions, monuments, and other commercial developments. Protecting the parks is a beautiful exercise in reserving something precious so others can enjoy it.

Restraint is a subtle but essential feature in anything tasteful: food, art, fashion, and design. Restraint is also important when it comes to hospitality and building community. When we share, we're showing restraint. Sharing what we have makes it easier for another person to eat and live. Just like the protection of our national parks, the actions of hospitality and community are beautiful.

Less has more to offer.

If I notice my mood darkening, there's usually a direct tie to excess: too much coffee, food, noise, or items on my agenda. Introducing a bit of discipline has been a marvelous way to add joy to my world. That one great cup of coffee ends up fuelling my morning. That one great cocktail at the restaurant is all I need to enjoy an evening. My mood will brighten even more when the experiences are shared. One cup of coffee with a good friend can open up a world of possibilities in an enlightening conversation.

So friend, thank you for reading. Please find an opportunity this week to go small, go with a bit less, share, and enjoy a renewed sense of beauty in your world.