Reasons for Hope: Profiling our National Youth Leaders – Rebecca Morrow (VIC)

Our National Youth Leadership Council is a group of passionate young Australians who are dedicated to making positive change for animals, people and the environment. During the COVID-19 crisis, we asked them to share their thoughts, advice, and reflections. Read more below to get inspired learning how our youth leaders take on crisis and give back.

“Hi! My name is Rebecca Morrow, and I’m part of the Roots & Shoots National Youth Leadership Council. During this time of change and uncertainty, I think it’s really important that we try and focus on the positives that could come from COVID-19. I believe that it is possible to acknowledge the suffering around the world AND shine light and focus on the positives. 

As tragic as this virus is, it has also provided us with an opportunity for change. We are in a time of adaptation, and we can choose how we come back from this. Do we keep living as we always have? Or can we start to live more simple, decentralised, self-sufficient, community-based, lower-impact and compassionate lives? 

I’ve been asking myself: How can I live a more conscious life? How can I live to cause less harm? How can I live with more love? 

I have hope that a deeper connection between us all will come from this. Over time we seem to have lost touch with what it really means to be human, our connection to each other and our connection to everything else. I’m hopeful that the longing that we feel to be with other people during this forced isolation will remind us of how special the people around us are, and to never take them for granted again!

My tips for staying positive: 

1. Create a daily routine that makes you feel good – first thing in the morning I go for a walk around my neighbourhood, drink a yummy coffee and exercise. 
2. Exercise and meditate daily – if you’re not sure how, use one of the many phone apps to guide you. 
3. Get outside and be with nature where possible – even if it’s just your backyard!”

See what Rebecca is up to on Instagram at @beccymorrow.

Want to know more about the NYLC and to get involved? Contact the team on youth@janegoodall.org.au