In last month's edition, we delved into the concept of a "fractured future," a theme that unexpectedly came to life for me in the most visceral way then I thought imaginable. A few weeks ago, I experienced wind like I have never before (not from the back end). And as a Dad it added weight.
As the day's work drew to a close, what I thought would be a usual storm prompted me to rush outside, hoping to save the laundry from the impending rain. Instead, I found myself out while a storm front hit with gale force winds like no other. Within the first 15 seconds of the front, I heard and saw 20 odd trees break, big gum trees. I had my back to the east side of the house, genuinely worried a branch could whack me out cold. I saw the two tallest trees on our block buckle and thought to myself I have to make a run for it and get in to see the kids. We waited it out, my partner and I not trying to worry too much, so the kids didn't, and then the power went out and didn’t come back for 3 days. (An article that details the destruction in more detail, for those interested from far away shores)
The aftermath of the storm painted a vivid picture of resilience that is found in rural Australia; with roads blocked by fallen trees, our community's response was swift and efficient, a testament to the seasoned resolve of those who have long called this place home. Tractors and even a bobcat of all things spent the evening clearing the roads so people could begin to move about. It was a stark reminder that country living demands a resilience born not of choice but of necessity.
Our journey to this rural life was motivated by the promise of school, one that resonated with our aspirations for our children's education. Prioritizing creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and, most importantly, decision-making. The emphasis on owning one's decisions struck a chord with us, underscoring our commitment to preparing our family for future challenges with proactive and reactive strategies alike.
The experience has broadened my perspective on the universal challenge of climate change and our collective agency in addressing it. Our recent engagement with the school's philosophy, particularly its action-oriented approach, has been enlightening. It underscores the importance of moving beyond passive consumption of information to active participation in solutions.
This realisation dovetails with my discussions on the role of media and education in shaping our response to climate change. The current model, which often prioritizes attention over action, contributes to a pervasive sense of helplessness and anxiety. Yet, there is hope in reimagining this narrative, in fostering a sense of agency rather than despair. Allowing grit to form in the tummies of our young is a sure bet that some of the challenging problems of tomorrow will be picked up and solved. (See Angela Lee Duckworth, Grit as a determining factor for success across many differing vertices)
As we brace for more storms—both literal and metaphorical—the lesson is clear: resilience/grit is not merely about surviving but about making informed, proactive decisions. It's about moving forward, armed with the knowledge and determination to face whatever challenges come our way.
This journey is not ours alone. It reflects a broader, global challenge that demands a collective response. As we navigate these tumultuous times, let us commit to fostering resilience, not just in ourselves but in our communities and in the next generation. Together, we can weather any storm.
Warmly,
Patrick
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