"The Audit"

Something I really enjoyed about this short story was it's ability to include exhibition and be informative without lacking on the narrative of it all. It told a nice story about Bill and his family while simultaneously giving its audience up-to-date clues and info on what it means to respect and care for our environment.

Most of the information was pretty basic; We shouldn't be so reliant on fossil fuels, we should be aware of our economic footprints, we should be more connected to nature, etc. But I loved how the story captured Bill's experience of reluctantly entering an atmosphere where he relied less on modern conveniences, growing to appreciate what that brought to his physical and mental health, and then how it came full circle with his reluctance to re-enter an atmosphere that he previously thought was comfortable to him. I really empathize with that, and the words of the author brought to life that feeling of being overwhelmed and distraught when making a shift from a natural world to a materialistic one.

This picture feels reflective of the serenity Goodwin has found. Taken in New Zealand.

One line that resonated with me was Goodwin's assessment of what modern society needs to become more sustainable, particularly his words: "...zoning that allows you to keep chickens and grow vegetables instead of lawns." It just really struck me while reading that how ridiculous our obsession with lawns is in America particularly. Also my mom has talked for years about wanting to own some chickens just for the heck of it, but city ordinances make it very tricky to do so. Why is that? I can't say I understand the logic behind it.

I was also struck by Goodwin's words later: "I feel truly sorry for anyone who has to live the way you do. This is the least I can do to make your life less miserable." Goodwin's perspective here is very eye-opening. I think most Americans would be very unwilling to live the way Goodwin does, but the fact that he's just as unwilling to live the way we live is refreshing. I think it (rightly so) challenges our society's view of "acceptable" ways of life.

At the end, I felt inspired and renewed by Bill's discoveries. And his joy at finding new perspectives is infectious.