Who:
Paul Perret
Alabama Chapter Chair
Where:
Birmingham, AL
Today I will plug into the battery-recharge of northeast Alabama's natural beauty by canoeing Terrapin Creek. I expect that every sight and sound of the weekend will renew my energy so that I can return to my 9-to-5 responsibilities with enthusiasm and efficiency.
We are often so caught up in our everyday activities that we neglect our need for the RE-creation that recreation can provide. With the 60-hour work-week of my own business, my duties as chairman of the Alabama Chapter and the never-ending threats to Alabama's environment, sometimes my batteries just don't have any juice. I feel I am unproductive at work and as state Sierra Club chairman. Truth is, I am just plain tired.
However, my trip along Terrapin Creek reminds me why we persevere to protect Alabama's natural wonders. In the case of Terrapin Creek, Alabama's Sierra Club was instrumental in forming a coalition of local and regional groups to defeat a proposed mine on the banks of the river. So as I am floating down the creek this weekend, I remember that if so many people had not been willing to fight to save this waterbody it would likely be unsafe for contact by now. It also reminds me how important our fight is. And though we seem to lose more often than we win (especially in Alabama), the areas that we are fighting to protect are far too important for us to even think about slowing down our efforts.
So whatever you're doing today, remember to "RECHARGE" your batteries so that next week you are thinking fast on your feet and ready to take the solution to the opposition or the battle to them if they reject the solution.
