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Anne Therese Gennari's avatar

Love this issue so much! It speaks to everything I teach in my climate optimism work! Staying grounded in nature, connecting with likeminded people, easing anxiety by taking action, and committing to the game! Thank you for your work and contribution to our movement Jen!

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Jennifer Louden's avatar

Thanks for commenting Anne.

I love your work!

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Barb Klein's avatar

Climate optimism sounds like an important and help perspective shift.

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Karen Robinson's avatar

I find it all too exhausting. I /we do what we can and have done for decades. I don't feel drawn to activism but I do believe we can make a difference by how we choose to live, what and where we choose to buy and that consumers or not consuming (refusing to buy into consumerism) could have a huge impact if only people realised how powerful they actually are. I believe the world will be just fine without humans. It has been for most of its existence.

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Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

Thanks for this Jennifer. I began to feel energized and inspired (and hopeful) after reading books by Jane Goodall. There is optimism to be had and is also what will get people moving towards change. Jane Goodall places importance on educating children and teaching ways to make positive impacts so that this will be natural as they grow and become adults. I love that idea!

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Jennifer Louden's avatar

She’s amazing! We all need our sheros!

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Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

Yes!!

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Laura K Bray's avatar

The quote, "People across the world, and the political spectrum, underestimate levels of support for climate action. This “perception gap” matters." is so important to remember. If you read the news, you only see the worst of humanity. I believe there is more good out there than bad. I believe we all want a healthy and safe future for future generations. It can be difficult not to drown in the bad news. I appreciate that you are writing these gentle reminders that there is good in the world, and that small acts, do make a difference. You've inspired me to share the small ways I try to make changes and protect the environment. Thank you for inspiring me in so many ways.

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Jennifer Louden's avatar

thank you for being inspired and taking action!!! big hugs!

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Carol Teal's avatar

Thanks for this, Jen. I find it hard to join groups and even hard to leave comments! But I appreciate that you are discussing this and encouraging us all to take action. I’m still composting my thoughts but I hope I’ll do something more soon! Thanks for your ever encouraging words.

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Jennifer Louden's avatar

Carol thanks for leaving a comment! I totally get that, I often feel shy about commenting too. And every time I do something that stretches me, as long as I’m not already frayed and exhausted, I do feel braver. So I need to remember that. Hugs.

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Barb Klein's avatar

I can really relate to this with my work and passion which can weigh me down and leave me feeling “why bother?” So I thank you for this reminder to step away, recharge, remember I’m not alone, and keep doing what I can.

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Jennifer Louden's avatar

Yes friend has to happen. But it’s so easy to think it won’t help when we are in the why bother space. ❤️

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Barb Klein's avatar

I hear you.

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Lani V. Cox's avatar

I'm glad you were able to get away and recharge in nature. Everyone should be encouraged to do so on a weekly basis. What a different world it would be.

As far as actions to reverse climate change, it's built in our lifestyle. We're vegan (which, as you might know is the best thing you can do for the planet) and we don't own a car. In other words, our footprint is light (is that the right word?). Lastly, I do think it makes a different to be aware of what is happening (but not in a crazy way, cause it's too depressing for me).

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Emerald's avatar

Thank you for sharing the interview with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson; I just read it, and looked up the All we can save website / book. I'm now wondering if there are any Circle reading groups in the UK...

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Jennifer Louden's avatar

there you go — in action!! thank you for sharing!

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