A Jumpscare

 You know those moments where you feel like your heart dropped all the way to your...you know what? Well I have definitely have had some of those moments lately. They usually come out of nowhere too like when I check my bank account after a week of “treating myself,” or when an unexpected headline flashes across the news. It’s that sudden rush of panic, realization, and helplessness all at once, and it’s honestly one of the worst feelings. But if I’m being real, those heart-dropping moments also make me stop and think in ways I normally wouldn’t.

The funny thing is, I’ve been noticing that same feeling creep in when I think about sustainability. The more I learn about the waste created by fast fashion, single-use plastics, or even the amount of energy it takes to ship a single online order, the more I feel that pit in my stomach. It’s like realizing you’ve been a part of something harmful without even meaning to. That moment when you look at your closet and know half the stuff in there hasn’t been worn in years, or when you toss something “recyclable” in the bin but aren’t sure if it’ll actually get recycled. It hits you the heart drop because deep down, you know we can’t keep living like this forever.

But here’s the part I try to hold onto: those feelings don’t have to paralyze us. They can push us forward. Every time I get that jolt of “oh no,” I try to see it as the universe nudging me to do better. Instead of shoving my old clothes into the back of the closet, I can donate them or find creative ways to repurpose them. Instead of impulse-buying another outfit I’ll wear once, I can invest in quality pieces that actually last. Sustainability doesn’t mean perfection it means paying attention and taking those heart-dropping realizations seriously enough to change a habit here and there.

And honestly, that’s how I’ve started to look at sustainability overall. It’s not about flipping a switch and becoming a perfect eco-warrior overnight. It’s about noticing those “heart in your stomach” moments and choosing to do something different because of them. Each small shift choosing recycled packaging, thrifting instead of buying new, supporting local makers adds up. We don’t always see the results right away, but the act of responding to those uncomfortable moments with action is what slowly builds real change.

So maybe those heart-dropping feelings aren’t here to torture us. Maybe they’re here to remind us that we still have a choice. They remind us that while the big picture can feel overwhelming, the little things we do matter and they matter even more when we choose to act with awareness.