Great change comes from simple actions.

Taking time today to remember a man who was a great source of personal inspiration. Didn't always agree with all his politics, but if nothing else, Jack was a honest man and a fighter.

"My friends, love is better than anger. 

Hope is better than fear. 

Optimism is better than despair. 

So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.

And we’ll change the world."

 -Jack Layton

 People like Jack, Dr. Suzuki, Jane Goodall and so many many other passionate people, inspire me on a daily basis to push forward and change the way our family consumes, conserves, and lives.

As George Bernard Shaw wrote: "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."

Now, I have two maxims to live by. Thank you Jack, for your years of dedication, your inspirational spirit, and unwavering service to Canadians.

 

Loving, Hopeful, Optimistic, Entirely Unreasonable, and Respectfully Yours,

Vanessa.