Three weeks ago, I was on a small island in Belize called Caye Calker. At one end of the island is a popular swimming/hang out spot called "The Split". A hurricane once came through and split the island creating a little channel that's fun to swim in. Riding this current is like being on a Disneyland ride - put your feet up, float, and allow the water to take you out to sea.

I was chatting with a group of new friends on the deck above the water when out of the corner of my eye I saw a black plastic bag floating by. It was covered in algae, so it looks like it's been there for a while. In the middle of conversation, I turned to the group and said "One second, I'll be back", and jumped into the water to grab the bag. Later, I see a beer bottle float by. This time two local kids swam out to get it. When they returned, we all gave them each a high five! Few minutes later, an empty box of cigarettes floats by...then a cup.. again I jump in. I'm feeling a bit annoyed at this point, that tons of visitors and locals are enjoying themselves yet all of this trash is being dumped into the ocean.

Wanting to escape this scene, a friend and I swam across the channel to the other tiny island. The minute we got there, we saw a fisherman throw his plastic chip bags into the water. As we swam over to grab it, we looked up at the island and saw what looked like landfill. Piles and piles of trash!! My heart dropped, I started to get teary-eyed. We are all visitors of this island, this Earth, yet look at what we, as humans, are doing. How is it that one day I can swim into the mysterious Blue Hole, and the next day swim in trash. Same ocean.

Feeling upset, I started to pack up my stuff to leave. One of the other travelers came up to me and said: "Thank you for diving in to get that plastic bag. I saw that bag come around many times, yet I never went to get it. I admit I've made judgments about the US and its culture. But after seeing you today, I realize that maybe it's because of your culture that you feel the freedom to act on your feelings. When I watched you jump into the water, I knew exactly how you felt about the Earth. Now I've learned that I also need to act on my feelings, even if it's just for one bag."

I'm thankful for that conversation and that the girl was so open and honest with her feelings. Throughout my life I've been unaccepted for being too spontaneous or impulsive. I can't help it - this is part of my nature that I've been working on toning down. This conversation reminds me to continue following my heart. Maybe it's also a sign that it's time I tune that impulse back up.