Do you sometimes feel discouraged? I do. And while most days I’m excited about what’s possible, there are days where the world feels heavy and overwhelming especially for those of us who value social justice and inclusion, sustainability, and climate stability.
I have an amazing and dynamic colleague whom I look to as a source of inspiration. Dianne Dillon-Ridgley has worked at the forefront of climate justice, gender, human rights, and race for several decades. And when I say she has a long list of accomplishments, it would honestly take about 15 minutes just to touch on her immense impact over the years. She has been a delegate at over 20 UN and other global meetings, been appointed by and advised three US Presidents, served on countless prestigious Boards, been a guest lecturer in Universities, and been a lifelong advocate for social change and human rights. I reach out to Dianne from time to when I am feeling a bit knocked down or struggling to maintain my optimism (and I know I say this as someone with privilege and safety).
A few years ago, I voiced to her my frustration about how so much of what I’ve fought for in my life feels like it’s slipping away. You might know the feeling. She reminded me that we were never promised that this work would be easy. She encouraged me that anything worth fighting for will have its challenges and hard days. She challenged me that it’s up to us now to keep the torch burning, to stay focused on the better version of the future we envision not because it’s fair that it’s up to us, but because it’s needed. She reminded me that we are up to the task.
My conversations with Dianne over the years have taught me a few things to do when it feels hard.
Tap into your communities. Vibrant communities are the backbone of any thriving society, but they’re also invaluable for any change movement. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, lift you up, and pick up the slack when you have to step out for a rest. Remember, it takes a village to make the world a better place, and we are that village! 🏡💖
Rock your Purpose. Many things will distract you: emails, daily life, the news cycle, politics, major world events – pay attention to those, but also stay connected to your ‘Why’, your bigger cause, your purpose. Keep going in the direction of the better future you envision. 🌍💚
Play the Long Game. This does not mean wait to act! You still have to take action even if you don’t know everything, even if you don’t have a plan, even if you don’t really know where you’re heading. But also realize and embrace that there will be ups and downs and twists and turns along the way. Celebrate progress. Be open to redefining your direction as you gain more insight, and as new factors emerge, but know that things worth fighting for take time. And remember that complex change typically happens very, very slowly, and then all at once. But only if the foundation is set for that change to happen quickly. Build that foundation! 🌟💙
I know it’s not always easy. There will be days when it’s hard to keep going, when it seems like the odds are stacked against us. But guess what? When times get tough, it’s our duty to speak even louder, stand even stronger, and push for a just and sustainable world. Our mission is too important to let anything hold us back.
