Today is no ordinary Hump Day. Oh no, my friends, today is special! So, whether you are having a mountain top day, down in the valley, or somewhere in between, it is time for a big deep breath of relaxation.
December 11th is International Mountain Day!
I hail from the only mountains in Texas. Born in Brewster county and toddling the Chisos Mountains that just happen to be the foothills of the Rockies, I love the serenity mountains host.
I wanted to inspire some uplifting today because let’s be honest, not everyone is on the mountain top. We all need encouragement, inspiration, and relaxation. So push pause on al things mentally taxing and let’s chill a bit. This is an interactive collaboration. We all benefit, and I bet you will just find a little boost in your mood if you just dive in.
It will only take a couple of minutes, then you can resume life over the hump, and well on your way to more productivity.
What is International Mountain Day?
Mountains are beautiful to behold, exciting to hike, and essential to most of us. They provide protection, water, and food, even for people who don’t live in the mountains. International Mountain Day acknowledges the vulnerability of mountains and folks living on the heights in the face of climate change.
Rainwater pours out across the mountains and then washes down into low-lying areas to give us freshwater. Much of the world depends on that water, as well as mountain-grown food. Melting glaciers are affecting that water supply though. Around the world, rising climate-driven disasters like mudslides and avalanches damage crops, flood communities, and strip the forests.
People are migrating out of the mountains too. Climate change disturbs highland agriculture. Food shortages worsen the already harsh living conditions, so folks are moving into the cities and leaving their cultures behind. That’s a loss for the world because we value cultural diversity. More importantly, though, it’s a hardship for them, and one they shouldn’t have to face.
On International Mountain Day, we remember the gifts that the mountains supply and the people who still inhabit the high places.
Fun facts about International Mountain Day!
- About 13% of the world’s population lives in the mountains.
- Billions of people live downstream from the mountains and directly experience their benefits.
- Mountains cover 22% of our planet’s land areas.
- Mountains supply 60% to 80% of the world’s freshwater.
- Around 80% of the world’s food comes from 20 plant species, and 6 of those plants—maize, potatoes, barley, sorghum, quinoa, tomatoes, and apples—originated and were diversified in mountain areas.
- Mountains house many rare animals, such as gorillas and snow leopards.
Want to know more about how to celebrate International Mountain Day:
Click here to learn more from the National Archives.
Now it’s your turn to share your mountain top experience.
Use the hashtag for International Mountain Day 
Hit me with your mountain view? Post your photo and makes someone’s day. #InternationalMountainDay
Happy Hump Day!
Credits: https://www.nationaldayarchives.com/day/international-mountain-day/
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