Oh yeah! Small steps with Hope!

Last week I found myself overwhelmed. Again. 


Since beginning to write about Small Steps a month ago, I had zoomed out in learning to try to catch a glimpse of the big picture around the Climate Emergency. That was good work and probably necessary. However, as I wrapped up my reading of The Good War by Seth Klein and browsed the internet for hours and hours looking for organizations doing advocacy for climate justice, I began to feel very very small.


I think I've already learned that feeling small is a good and realistic thing, but in the moment it felt incredibly frustrating and then when my back was turned that old feeling of paralysis and overwhelm loomed again.


Thank goodness for Barrette, who while I lamented this during our evening conversation gently reminded me that I've already done my Venn Diagram.   (Do check out the podcast "How to Save a Planet: Is your carbon footprint BS?") I have made my circles and identified my work.  And that doesn't mean I am limited to the work that appeared in the centre of my diagram, but it is a legitimate starting point and it is tailor-made for me to do. 


To neglect the action at the centre of that diagram is to turn away from that which is mine to do.  And it's a small thing, don't get me wrong. But it's my thing!


Am I hesitant because my thing doesn't immediately shift the course of history? I'll say it here for myself and for you if you need to hear it: There is no quick fix.  


However, if you tell me your thing is planting trees I will fix a to-go iced tea for you, grab my shovel and join you. 


If you tell me your thing is learning about Indigenous Rights and how they relate to climate I will funnel resources your way so you can do that learning and tell me all about it.


If you tell me that the centre of your Venn Diagram points you towards sustainability around clothing I will take inspiration to mend rather than replace and I'll dream with you about how to grow that movement. 


If you tell me that you're going to learn how to repair small appliances or grow vegetables to feed yourselves and others or start helping people do rooftop water collection or share how your bakery strives to cut it's footprint by buying local ingredients I will cheer you on!


All of these things are critical in the work.  They move us forward, they build momentum, they transform us and those around us who catch a glimpse of what we're doing. 


And by honouring that gem that appears in the centre of your diagram, your thing, you honour that which appears in mine. And that's what expands and transforms our actions from small and personal to actions which shape the world we live in and the world we're leaving for future generations.


Small steps?


Yes.

Comments

  1. JoanneApril 27, 2021 at 8:12 AM

    Spoken like a true enneagram 9 :)
    I like that positive spin though...

    ReplyDelete

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