DEAR News Of The Area,

WHEN visiting a friend, I picked up a small book about climate change by an Australian world renown climate scientist.

It was frightening to hear the current reports on the escalation of the crises.

She said only fifteen percent of Australians are aware of how dire it is.

We need you to know she said, keep reading, it gets way worse.

Well, I like a challenge, so I kept reading, for an hour or so… it was terrifying.

So, I stopped.

I slept badly for the next few nights and had floating anxiety during the days.

Then, somehow, I had a moment where I recognised what was happening.

Stepping out of it, I could observe it.

“I don’t want to live in fear,” I thought.

But I am glad to be aware.

Living each day, each moment as best I can is the solution.

Doing what I can.

Living with joy and making the most of this precious vulnerable world right now.

I called up my grandchildren and spent the afternoon doing art with them.

Drawing and painting endangered species for posters to save our local forest Gladstone from industrial logging.

It is part of the planned Great Koala Park.

Focusing on each brushstroke, each smile, having fun.

I am so grateful for this fragile, fleeting, wonderful world.

My neighbour told me his recent health diagnoses had the same outcome for him.

He went from terror, to reaching out with authenticity for meaning, and he found connection, love and gratitude.

Is it better to know or not?

Living each day, with purpose, knowing what’s happening is important.

So we can truly do the best we can.

Regards,
Louise CRANNY,
Bellingen.