I don’t usually do more than one post a day, however, today is an exception. Yesterday saw the passing of Wangari Maathai, 71. In case you weren’t aware, Maathai was the first ever African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She founded the Green Belt Movement which focused on sustainable development in poor regions of Kenya. More specifically GBM paid poor women to plant trees in their villages, thereby promoting environmental sustainability and women’s rights.

What I find equally interesting is what Maathai did to celebrate after winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She planted a tree.  Now we might not all  get to be Nobel Peace Prize winners or even create a massive political and environmental movement, but there is one thing we can take away from this, her willingness to give back.

So whatever it is that we accomplish, it will always be important to give back. Could there be a better way to celebrate?

If you’re interested in learning more about Wangari Maathaie, check out the doc Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai.

I am thankful for Maathai’s contributions to society and anyone willing to group the needs of the many with their own.

~Thankful