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Welcome to the third installment of “Dr. Green’s Emotional Rescue,” our column aimed at helping environmentalists navigate the emotional and mental-health challenges of working toward a greener, healthier planet.
This week: There’s no reason we should stop being active in our environmental goals as we become mature. Just focus on leveraging our experience and skills, and ignoring ageist misconceptions.
A reader asks:
Now in my 70s with some physical limitations, I no longer actively participate in protests or field events related to habitat or environmental protection. Having spent most of my life in wildlife conservation, I often feel frustrated as to how I can best DO SOMETHING! Awareness of expanding development, environmental degradation, and general atrocities affecting species and their habitats is deeply concerning and triggering — but leaves me feeling helpless. (“Knowledge is the source of all sorrow.”) Of course, I am a green voter, I sign petitions and comment, I share information, and I try to keep up with the news — also donating to organizations when I can. But somehow this doesn’t seem enough. What else can I do to make a difference?
Hello Friend!
Thank you for sharing your sense of frustration. We’ve heard from a few readers who, like you, are struggling with some of life’s turning points. After giving your question a great deal of thought, it appears that that you are ready for a new way to put all your experience and knowledge to work.
Let’s explore some options.
First , let’s celebrate that you are a treasure trove of skill, knowledge, experience, and wisdom . You’ve done the work. You’ve been there, done that, and you are now keenly aware of what works in the movement and what does not work. Plus, you’ve developed great intuition through trial and error — something that can rarely be taught, only learned through experience.
Be joyful — you’re an expert in so many ways!
The challenges you may be facing might include issues of self-acceptance and a sense of self-worth now that you are “of a certain age.” We need to feel the pride in our achievements as activists for the natural world. None of your efforts have been in vain; every experience has made you invaluable to the cause.
Ageism: one of the last ‘acceptable’ prejudices
Ageism is an insult not only to each other but to ourselves, as the same maturity that has made us wise and perceptive leaves highly accomplished and talented people out of meaningful work. When the very young and the elderly are edged out of roles in the movement or dismissed, it hurts us all by reducing knowledge depth and diversity in activism. Such a waste of human resources.
Self-compassion and self-worth at any phase of life
The marginalization of older activists and thinkers can make us feel unwanted, isolated, or even banished. This happens in all vocations, not just conservation. Along with practical matters like tackling job discrimination, addressing ageism involves challenging stereotypes and adopting inclusive language .
Don’t internalize ageism
When you think about or talk to yourself, don’t use self-defeating thoughts about age. That’s really the worst form of ageism: self -ageism.
For example, when I forget a name, or where I put my keys or glasses, it’s just like when I did these things in my youth. Back then I laughed at myself. I didn’t put myself down by assuming I was having a “ditzy moment.” Don’t disparage yourself for the same things you did in the past. Instead, actively listen to how you think and speak to yourself and about your age, and try to erase self-slurs and self-deprecation from your sense of self. Age is subjective and individual: There are 18-year-olds who are rigid and boring and people in their nineties who have more energy than your average youngster, along with razor-sharp thinking skills. Don’t waste time or energy on self-doubt.
If you have some physical limitations, we all do at any age. If you’re still bursting with knowledge and conviction about the things you love, think about how to pivot your passion and wisdom to new areas that support environmentalism.
∼ Knowledge is NOT the source of all sorrow! ∼
Finding new ways to express your wisdom and expertise
Take some time to think and reflect upon all the work you’ve done for the environmental movement throughout your life. Then create (or recreate) your curriculum vitae* (see below under resources) to highlight your accomplishments in the environmental movement. This self-review may also reveal things you’ve forgotten about, opportunities you want to address, or skills you want to focus on moving forward.
Next, reach out to your former colleagues or other people who might have a great position for you somewhere — or know someone who does.
Ask colleagues, activists you know and have worked with, etc. It’s a great way to reconnect with old compadres and meet their network of environmentally dedicated people. Tell them you feel ready for a change and that you’ve got skill, experience, and passion to contribute to the cause. These interactions can open doors.
That step alone can diminish any feelings of isolation, and you may find people who are also trying to find their next steps — or already have and can offer advice.
And speaking about next steps: Mentoring
Being a mentor is a rewarding way to share your knowledge and cultivate environmental pursuits with people who are new to the movement but want to join in. Science has shown that mentoring is a mutually rewarding two-way street : It boosts your self-esteem, increases your sense of belonging and purpose, and encourages further reflection. Plus, those you mentor may see further opportunities for you that you’ve never imagined.
You’re Needed and “In Demand “!
Do you know why a lot of environmental projects and efforts fail or have little impact?
It’s because passionate, experienced, and skilled people like you were not involved in the planning of those initiatives. Successful movements and organizations, on the other hand, have seasoned experts like you on their planning committees and boards. That’s right: People just like you . Physicality doesn’t matter in strategic thinking and planning efforts to save the planet.
You’ve done the time and work over the years, learned from mistakes, and you’re still here. So move on to the next, most enjoyable phase of your life: Putting all that know-how to work!
When you find a place that feels like a good fit, it’s certain you’ll be working with people of all ages and of great diversity, coming together for a common cause. And that’s another great way to fight ageism and build self-worth: New relationships in our lives keep us fresh, energized, and engaged.
With your skills and passion, there’s no reason to feel lost or frustrated. Carpe diem!
Let me know how it goes. I’ll be cheering you on!
Dr. Green
What are you struggling with emotionally when it comes to your work in environmentalism? I want to know. Maybe together we can come up with effective strategies for self improvement and inner comfort. There’s so much to be done — our passion for this world is truly for all ages.
Send Dr. Green your questions below:
All participants will remain anonymous. This column is not a substitute for psychological therapy or care. We are merely a place where peers can find advice on handling their inner conflicts and problems as a result of their environmental efforts.
All questions are considered intended for publication; published questions will be kept anonymous. Individual replies are not possible.
See you next time!
Disclaimer : This column is not a replacement for therapy, and the advice given is educational in nature, not a replacement for professional psychological or psychiatric therapy. This is a peer-driven support effort by The Revelator to inform and build community with environmental and wildlife defenders.
Resources:
Browser searches:
Environmental Charities
Environmental Nonprofits
Environmental Education
Environmental Organizations
Environmental Events in (your town or state)
The Nature Conservancy Youth Engagement Programs
The Earth Prize Mentors Youth Programs
The Environmental Protect Agency Environmental Education Opportunities
Monitor on Psychology (March 2023) — Ageism is one of the last socially acceptable prejudices. Psychologists are working to change that. Psychologists are examining the age discrimination that pervades American culture and helping people to reimagine healthier relationships with their older selves.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
The National Institutes of Health , National Library of Medicine, Cross-Generational Understandings of Ageism and Its Perceived Impacts on Personal-Public Health
* A “curriculum vitae” (CV) is Latin for an account of your “life’s journey,” a comprehensive document outlining your background, work experience, and accomplishments. Even if some ideas didn’t pan out, tell the reader what you took from those experiences. A CV is a resume for grownups and can help you focus on what you want to do next.
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