The Sunshine Blogger Award

Almost two weeks ago I was nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award by Anand of Blabberwockying and Kaushal of Expressive Human|Original Thoughts. I am finally posting my response to their nominations.

Similar to the Liebster Award, the Sunshine Blogger Award is given to bloggers by bloggers. It is specifically designed for authors who bring positivity, or sunshine, to their readers. Therefore I am humbled to receive this award from Anand and Kaushal. Thank you both.

There are a few rules associated with a Sunshine Blogger nomination. They are:

1. Thank the person who nominated you.
2. Answer the questions from your nominators.
3. Nominate eleven other bloggers and give them eleven questions.

Since my first nomination came from Anand, I shall answer his questions below.

What do you like most about the present situation?

There is a change in the air. I have been encountering a growing number of people who claim that becoming exceedingly wealthy is not their goal. They are expanding their definitions of success beyond simple materialism. This could not come at a better time. In order to provide for the increasing human population without ruining the planet we will need to attach less meaning to personal profit. We have to embrace the fact that everyone, and everything, is connected.

Which is your best memory?

Probably the week I spent at 3 Seasons’ Camp in Quebec. It was the first time I had ever experienced real wilderness, and I felt freer there than ever before.

Do you feel you are at peace with yourself?

Not really. I am very hard on myself, and am always pushing to be “better” than I currently am.

Who is your guide, guru, or counselor?

At this point, mostly myself.

What makes you feel very good?

Being with people I like and spending time outdoors. The best is going on hikes with friends.

Which quality or habit do you like most about yourself?

My willingness to do what I believe I must do, even if it seems insensible. This tendency can backfire, but it has served me well in the past two years.

Who are your sources of inspiration?

Primarily Dr. Alan Rabinowitz, Jeremy Wade, and Les Stroud. These are all individuals who made short-term sacrifices to follow their passions. In the end it paid off manifold.

I am also inspired by Ed Stafford; who spent two years walking the entire length of the Amazon River. His determination has taught me about the importance of not giving up on that which matters most.

What is the role of gratitude in your life?

I am most grateful to Michael Robinson of The Center for Biological Diversity. If he had not responded to my bizarre request to help with jaguar conservation I never would have started down my current path.

What is your best quality?

My willingness to take calculated risks. There is no growth without risk.

Has blogging enriched your life? How?

It certainly has. For one thing, it has helped me fortify my vastly deficient knowledge. My lack of expertise in ecology put me at a huge disadvantage for my intended field, but blogging has forced me to study hard.

But most significantly, blogging has helped me connect with extraordinary people around the world.

What is your greatest talent?

My writing ability. I have even begun to wonder if I can help big cats more as a scientist or as a writer. Probably a bit of both.

My Nominees for the Sunshine Blogger Award

Bring Back Big Cats

the Panthera protection blog

Carpathian Adventure

The Reserved Soul

The Subtler You

Incidental Naturalist

  Enchanted Forests

    Ourgreengenes

  Photographyofnia

 Endless Possibilities

  Words are Mantras: Use them Wisely

Questions for Nominees

1. What do you like most about yourself?
2. How would you most like to improve?
3. What are your primary values?
4. Who are your chief role models?
5. What makes you happy?
6. What does success mean to you?
7. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
8. What do you do for fun?
9. Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert?
10. Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? If so, what are (were) they?
11. What gives you hope?