On feeling overwhelmed

After the Climate Walk in 2019, I became discouraged and overwhelmed.  Every day I'd hear voices in my head telling me I was not committed enough, not radical enough, not ascetic enough to be a real climate warrior.  It felt safer to just keep my head down and do nothing than to face the realities of my inadequacy.  Anytime I read about the Climate Emergency or saw stories in the news about fires, floods, hurricanes, or any other anomalous weather, I felt sick in the pit of my stomach.  I felt completely overwhelmed. 

After a few months of this, I found myself walking in the woods trying to clear my head and I had a striking mental image;  myself, tiny and fragile, my arms over my head as if to hold back a looming tsunami wave,  taller than a skyscraper. 

I stopped walking and shook my head.   Here I was, trying to imagine a way to stop that whole huge wave with the strength of my two hands and my will.  Of course I was feeling paralyzed - that was an impossible task. 

In that moment I knew that I had to let go of the idea that stopping climate change hinged in upon my personal actions.  I could take as many drastic and eco-friendly actions as are available to me, and it would not hold back that wave.  This is actually terrifying; because if I can't stop it, who will?  But at the same time, it is freeing; if I can't stop it, I guess I'll need to find a way to work together with some other mighty warriors! It's madness to think it all depends on me. 

Our world, our country, our province and our community are full of people who care and are rolling up their sleeves to do this work.   I don't have to be Greta Thunberg or David Suzuki.  I don't have to start off by being a hero.

What I can do is add my voice to the song.  I can lean my shoulder into the effort. 

So I have been looking around for my niche. What is my next action? What's yours?

And it's okay. We can take small steps. Not limited to, but beginning with, just one.

What'll it be?

Small steps.

Comments

  1. LeanneApril 8, 2021 at 6:56 AM

    Thank you for sharing such a deeply personal experience. Thank you for framing it in a positive, actionable way instead of letting the paralysis result in inaction.

    I have a small step practical question. I've switched laundry detergents (yay!) and my next step is to un-plasticize the bathroom, starting with shampoo and conditioner. I'd love some ideas on how others have done this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandy PlettApril 8, 2021 at 6:44 PM

      I don't know if I'm the one to respond to this one. I've been a no-poo girl for many years (That means no shampoo; don't be grossed out!) I do use apple cider vinegar sometimes for a conditioner, which eliminates one type of bottle.

      What other ideas are out there?

      Delete

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