Savannah Donovan

Resilience is an everyday magic in all of us. I will spend 30 minutes learning about resilience and psychologist Ann Masten’s concept of “ordinary magic,” which shows how people adapt and thrive through small, daily strengths.

Resilience is all around us in the natural world. I will spend 60 minutes outdoors looking for examples of resilience—such as plants regrowing, animals adapting, or seasonal cycles—and reflect on what they teach about thriving through change.

Reflection helps us adapt and grow. I will spend 10 minutes writing in a journal about challenges I face, the strengths I use, and what helps me thrive.

Before buying something new, ask yourself: Can I repurpose or repair something? Can I borrow it? Can I go without? The goal isn’t just to consume “better” but to consume less whenever possible. Make more sustainable purchasing choices: - Avoid single-use items, and invest in reusables - Use secondhand first! Reuse and thrift when possible - Invest in high-quality, durable items - Purchase brands that pay fair wages, minimize waste and use ethical sourcing - Buy in bulk to reduce packaging and shipping - Prioritize experiences before objects - Donate usable items that you no longer need

Meditation helps build resilience and clarity. I will spend 20 minutes each day to meditate or create a moment of silence each day to reflect on things important to me.

Pledge to limit your exposure to plastics in one or more of the following ways: - Don't heat your food or beverages in plastic containers or Teflon-coated metals - Avoid using plastic cups, straws, cutlery and storage containers whenever possible - Purchase foods and products with little or no plastic packaging - Don't drink coffee made from K-cups - Use foil instead of plastic wrap; choose glass and metal over plastics

Sharing our talents can benefit those around us. I will offer my skills or services that contribute to local self-sufficiency, such as teaching a repair skill or helping with a neighbor's garden.

If you choose to fertilize your lawn, there are several actions you can take to minimize its impacts on water. First, make sure to only use the type and amount of fertilizer your lawn needs, starting with a soil test. Ask questions if a lawn care company applies fertilizer to your lawn. Most universities recommend 3 to 4 fertilizer applications during the growing season. Never fertilize before a rainfall. Of course, there is another option: don’t fertilize at all. You can actually have a healthy lawn by opting not to fertilize.

Growing food builds resilience by connecting us to the soil and reducing reliance on long supply chains. I will grow edible plants—such as herbs, vegetables, or grains—in my home, balcony, or community space, strengthening both my food security and local biodiversity.

Pesticides are harmful to wildlife, to pets and to human health. Research has linked exposure to pesticides to a range of human health issues, including cancers, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, diabetes and fertility issues.