I’m Not a Victim of Climate Change

Hope as a Remedy to Climate Anxiety

For many of us, climate change has started to become a potent cause of anxiety, fear, despair, and emotions that are heavy on the soul. If you've encountered similar feelings, rest assured, you're not alone. Climate anxiety is on the rise worldwide, impacting people from all backgrounds, cultures, and environments. After all, it is a universal problem, affecting us indiscriminately.

It may seem all doom and gloom, but things can go full circle. We can adopt a more optimistic and hopeful outlook on our planet. However, I’m not referring to blind optimism; rather, I’m talking about genuine hope inspired by meaningful action. Hope is a powerful tool when used wisely, and we should find ways to propel us into action.. It instils a relentless spirit of taking ownership of the challenges we have created, and finding inner strength to weave it all together again. This is the transformative power of hope.?

The generations before us also faced daunting societal challenges that seemed forever lasting. Yet, hope got them through it. It was hope that guided them through those trials, paving the way for a more comfortable existence for us today.?

It's this very dream that I hold for the generations that will follow us.

Hope drives meaningful action!

The potency of hope lies in its ability to show us the beauty amidst any situation. When it comes to confronting climate change, the pivotal question arises: how does one nurture ourselves to believe that we can restore our planet, and hope for a greater future? The answer is - by recognising the efforts that are already being made to turn things around. There is now an abundance of solutions, projects, initiatives, and organisations working tirelessly to restore our home to where it once was. While our fears hold validity, they need not to overshadow the commendable strides underway. It is undeniable that channelling our energy into finding ways in which we can play a role is rewarding. And we see this with how ecosystems burst with life once they are given the space to breathe.?

Climate anxiety can often make us feel like “there’s no way out” or “there’s nothing I can do”. These statements are not true. Each of us holds the power to effect positive change in our world. No contribution is too small; what matters is what you deem meaningful to you. The impacts of climate change are hypothetically limited to what we experience today. Meaning, today presents yet another chance to create a better tomorrow. Why wouldn’t we take full advantage of the opportunity to maximise our lived experiences and those of others? Let's begin prioritising the value of our collective efforts towards change, rather than succumbing to our fears.

Don’t aim for perfect

Being a change agent presents its challenges, foremost among them being the acceptance that perfection is not always attainable. Yet, embracing this discomfort can prove worthwhile. It doesn't imply complacency; rather, it signifies a mastery over what lies within our control. Recognising that your efforts are enough and the role you play holds greater significance than you may think. Give yourself due credit for the courage you had to even try.?

Such a mindset can alleviate anxiety and stress while directing our focus towards issues that truly resonate with us. By channelling our efforts into genuine passion, we create impact but also create room for others to join the movement. Whether these changes are small or big, amongst a community they will sum up more than you may think. This burden isn't meant to be carried by a sole individual; it's a collective responsibility. It is a shared responsibility.?

An integral part of this journey is to remember to celebrate yourself and your achievements. I often struggle to slow down, take a deep breath, smell the roses, and look at all the love and hard work I have done as a change agent. It is important for us to create space to recognise ourselves, so that we can fuel ourselves into the opportunities and challenges ahead.?

Experiencing climate anxiety is a real tough emotion to grapple with, you don't have to face it in isolation. When your feelings start to interrupt your everyday life, don't be afraid to lean on someone. It could be a close friend, a family member you trust, or even a therapist. They can help ease the load. Engaging in conversations with others can help with processing your feelings and developing strategies to cope.?

We can also turn towards nature which has the ability to instil tranquillity in our lives. Embracing our surroundings can strengthen us. There's something magical about nature's embrace, isn't there? The thought of restoring its beauty can spark inspiration deep within. Picture it: beaches covered with starfish, skies painted with the grace of birds, and oceans echoing the chatter of dolphins. The mere thought of this beauty excites me.

News From ReWild:

• Mark your calendars for the 18th of April! We're gathering at The Labia, Cape Town CBD, with our friends from Cape Town Adventure Film Fest - screening ReWild original films along with many other epic stories! Click here to get yourself a ticket.
• Woohoo! It’s Easter Weekend - wishing everyone a happy long weekend spent with loved ones.
• It's Ben's birthday on Saturday! A massive innings and quarter century. Celebrate to your heart's content!?
• Ben just got back from a 5 day excursion filming a documentary for CNN Academy - visiting the natural wonders of the most biodiverse desert in the world, the Richtersveld Transfrontier Park on the border of Namibia.
• Ale is off to Italy for 2 weeks to go back to her roots and spend time with family.
• Next week Justin and Ben are on a Plant The Seed production, making engaging content about how we can recycle polystyrene and manage our food waste.

Wild Regards,?

Team ReWild Africa