Northern White-Skipper, Male © Butterfly Photo by Steve Kaye

Why You? | July 2022


“Why You” Is a Powerful Question


Northern White-Skipper, Male, © Butterfly Photo by Steve Kaye, in blog post: Why You

Northern White-Skipper, Male (This butterfly is about 1-in long.)


Perhaps you may wonder, “Do I matter?”

So consider this:

1) If you are a force for good

Then you are someone who chooses the greater good when making choices.

And so you work for a future that benefits everyone.

And most of all, you are a vital part of sustainable humanity.

2) If you act with kindness

Then you are someone who shares hope, joy, and support.

And so you show compassion toward everyone.

And most of all, you leave a memory that others will cherish.

3) If you respect life

Then you are someone who respects nature.

And so you help protect the environment we depend upon.

And most of all, you hold this as a guiding value in everything you do.

4) If you live with gratitude

Then you focus on the gifts in your life.

And so you find ways to thank others.

And most of all, you even create reasons to be grateful.

5) If you live mindfully

Then you pay complete attention to everything that is happening.

And so you listen completely, observe smallest details, and notice every sensation.

And most of all, you are fully present in every moment.

6) If you act with courage

Then you make ethical choices even when they seem uncomfortable.

And so you take deliberate, positive, smart risks.

And most of all, you create achievements that make the world better.

7) If you do something

Then you work with a purpose.

And so you do what you realistically can to build solutions.

And most of all, your life is a contribution toward a better future.

8) If you support truth

Then you always tell the truth.

And so you become a respected source of information.

And most of all, you insist on truth from everyone, including from what you tell yourself.

9) If you are a student

Then you are always asking questions, learning, and reading.

And so, you become wiser plus aware of how much there is to know.

And more so, you greet each day as a lesson.

10) If you keep going

Then you persist through and in spite of challenges.

And so you find solutions in every adversity.

And most of all, you embrace adversity as a source of growth.

If this describes you, then yes, you matter.

And the world needs more people like you.


Much success,

Steve Kaye

Find More at:

Birds and Adversity

Why Hope Matters

Gratitude Now

27 Ways to Show Kindness

Ordinary Courage


Did You Know?

The most effective way to help birds is to buy land.

Here are three organizations that excel at doing this.

1) American Bird Conservancy

2) The Nature Conservancy

3) The Trust for Public Land

Please visit their web sites to learn about the work they do.

Here’s an excellent book: The American Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird Conservation


You can help – Please share this blog with others.
Inspiring Respect for Nature, one bird at a time.

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6 Comments
  • Carolyn Adamson
    Posted at 15:48h, 18 July

    Hello, Steve,

    Thanks so much for continuing to send your lovely bird photos AND inspiring texts. Happy summertime to you.
    ~ Carolyn

  • Rev. Eileen O. Brownell
    Posted at 15:51h, 18 July

    Excellent as always. Lots of food for thought. Thank you again Steve.

  • Susan Gardner
    Posted at 21:41h, 18 July

    Your posts are always so beautiful, encouraging and wise. Thank you, Steve!

  • Daphne Radenhurst
    Posted at 07:09h, 19 July

    How nice to see a butterfly this time. Thank you, as always, for your wise words.

  • Cindy Calisher
    Posted at 15:59h, 19 July

    Steve, your posts reflect nature itself: they contain a kind of wisdom that can enrich a person’s life, if only we pay attention. Today’s words especially so. Sometimes, I think the best thing about this time in humanity’s history is that we are all in this together. Other times I think the worst thing about this time is that so many of us are struggling together.

    Also, I found my first Northern White Skipper, a female, just last month at the Fullerton Arboretum.

    Also (#2) This is a shout out to Susan Gardner, who left a comment earlier on this post. I can’t dismiss the possibility that she might be the same Mrs. Gardner at Rolling Hills Elementary who taught my son Mike for 3 years, back in the 90’s.

  • Joyce
    Posted at 12:20h, 26 July

    I am grateful for the wisdom the Universe has provided you and how beautifully you share it with the rest of us. And the artistry with which you deliver it. Thank you, Steve

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