Yesterday’s beach cleanup was a powerful reminder that sometimes the most significant impact we can make is simply showing up, right where we are. Despite running out of buckets, trash grabbers, gloves, and trash bags, the spirit of our community was almost as bright as the 6pm sun. Through the challenges and in moments of feeling insufficient, I was surrounded by people who reminded me that it’s okay not to be totally prepared. The essence of effort lies in our presence and our willingness to do what we can with what we have.

Every cleanup feels a little different in its own special way. From the people who who come together to the locations we get to clean, there seems to be a different vibe every time. Yesterday, was the first time we did a mid-week cleanup, and the experience was truly beautiful. Part of the reason I ran out of everything is because I could not have imagined the turn out of people that showed up.

After the cleanup everyone stuck around to enjoy pizza, a drink, and a beautiful sunset. We gathered in the courtyard of the coolest airbnb set called Stacks…if you’re coming to Ensenada anytime soon and not staying with me you should check it out! My friend Gianca designed it and is the host and graciously let us use the space to just chill. Gosh, such a sweet experience to just look around and listen to the conversations that were unfolding, truly one of the most beautiful examples of community I’ve experienced.

I know I’ve mentioned this before and will probably again, I can not help but acknowledge that there is something so perfectly designed about the group that gathers AND about those who aren’t able to make it. Maybe it’s because we are close to the ocean which has always been a reminder to me of the gift of interconnectedness around the world. I think part of the reason I feel so compelled to continue to give updates on the cleanups and what I am learning is because I really am certain that we are all more connected than we realize. Here are just few things I hope you can take away (if you want it!):

1. I hope that you will find encouragement that you have the opportunity to create impact wherever you are.

2. if you get an opportunity to show up with community, even if its midweek, I hope you take it.

3) It’s okay not to be fully prepared. Sometimes, the beauty of our efforts lies in our ability to adapt and make the most of what we have in the moment.

& now there is just a little over a week to pull it together for the August cleanup! Who would have thought that tracking down compostable trash bags would be so dang difficult?!

CHECK OUT THE RECAP REEL

I love making this reels because I feel like it gives you a little glimpse into the experience even if you can’t be there!

P.s. just a reminder, I am trying to include both Spanish & English…if you see a spanish caption and don’t understand please keep scrolling…or press “translate”. You can figure it out, I believe in you! 🤭