NANCY OGILVIE is the founder and chief visionary for Our Climate Change Legacy, a community of wise, loving and fierce elders joining together as a powerful voice and force to turn the tide on climate change. The OCCL community engages in mutual learning, mutual support, and joint action. You can reach her at www.facebook.com/ourcclegacy or [email protected].
I was thrilled to "meet" Nancy via the internet and discover how much we have in common. Apparently my vision of Elder-Activists is shared by others! Read Nancy's story below and explore another view of Elder Activists.... Lynne
All it takes is reading or listening to the daily news to see that our world is in a heap of pain and trouble. It can be challenging not to feel instantly overwhelmed and tempting to simply look away, telling ourselves there’s nothing we, as an individual, can do to make a difference.
I challenge you to consider that those of us who are elders have unique gifts that only we can contribute – gifts that come from decades of lived experience. With some persistence and luck, we have harvested the gifts of love and wisdom that come from longevity. We have developed a level of confidence and trust that allows us a certain boldness and freedom to speak our minds. When we pool these gifts together, we CAN make a difference! Together, we are exclusively equipped to be a powerful voice and force for turning the tide on climate change and creating a better world.
Having just turned 63, I gladly choose the label of “elder activist.” “Elder” is a title of honor and self-respect, reflecting the work I have done to grow in love and wisdom based on my life experience. “Activist” means putting that wisdom and love into actions that leave a world that is better for my presence in it.
Claiming my “elder activist” self at this time in my life is a revolutionary act! It demonstrates my choice of service over self-indulgence, hope and action over despair and immobilization, love and gratitude over self-pity, wisdom and open-mindedness over ignorance and thoughtlessness. It commits me to living in clarity and awareness, making deliberate, well-informed choices, applying the gifts of a lifetime to leaving a legacy of a vibrant and fulfilling life to future generations.
I was thrilled to "meet" Nancy via the internet and discover how much we have in common. Apparently my vision of Elder-Activists is shared by others! Read Nancy's story below and explore another view of Elder Activists.... Lynne
All it takes is reading or listening to the daily news to see that our world is in a heap of pain and trouble. It can be challenging not to feel instantly overwhelmed and tempting to simply look away, telling ourselves there’s nothing we, as an individual, can do to make a difference.
I challenge you to consider that those of us who are elders have unique gifts that only we can contribute – gifts that come from decades of lived experience. With some persistence and luck, we have harvested the gifts of love and wisdom that come from longevity. We have developed a level of confidence and trust that allows us a certain boldness and freedom to speak our minds. When we pool these gifts together, we CAN make a difference! Together, we are exclusively equipped to be a powerful voice and force for turning the tide on climate change and creating a better world.
Having just turned 63, I gladly choose the label of “elder activist.” “Elder” is a title of honor and self-respect, reflecting the work I have done to grow in love and wisdom based on my life experience. “Activist” means putting that wisdom and love into actions that leave a world that is better for my presence in it.
Claiming my “elder activist” self at this time in my life is a revolutionary act! It demonstrates my choice of service over self-indulgence, hope and action over despair and immobilization, love and gratitude over self-pity, wisdom and open-mindedness over ignorance and thoughtlessness. It commits me to living in clarity and awareness, making deliberate, well-informed choices, applying the gifts of a lifetime to leaving a legacy of a vibrant and fulfilling life to future generations.
Being an elder activist also serves my personal needs for purpose and meaning in my life, and expands my capacity for love, wisdom and truth-telling. It connects me with like-minded others giving me a sense of community, belonging and mutual support. It defies the ageist stereotypes of “old age” keeping me active, learning and growing. I receive far more than I give. Knowing that my life makes a difference is a source of great joy and satisfactn.
Won’t you join me as an elder activist addressing climate change or another issue of your choice?
Here are some reflection questions to consider as you explore possibilities:
Won’t you join me as an elder activist addressing climate change or another issue of your choice?
Here are some reflection questions to consider as you explore possibilities:
- As you look back over your life, how have you shown up as love, been an expression of love? How have you received love? How have you given love?
- Recall a time when love called you into being more than you thought you could be. Reflect on how it felt, and how it changed you.
- What are some of the key learning experiences of your life? What wisdom did you garner from them? What principles guide your life decisions now?
- Recall a time when you are glad you spoke your truth in the face of possible consequences. What did you learn from that experience, and how does it support you in speaking your mind now?
- How can you apply this reflection to being an expression of love, wisdom and bold truth-telling in taking climate action?
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