Hi Everyone, nice to see you here...I'll note and bank your questions for today. Got a foster kid about to arrive for the weekend. An 8-year-old...and it's pelting down with rain...I'll have to get imaginative. Normally we head straight to the beach.... Have a great weekend, meantime. x
Hi Sarah when it comes to "Other Humans block out harsh realities" what do you do when those people are close to you? family, childhood best friends etc. Theres people in my life that I'm really close to (or were), but kinda feel like I'm letting them slip away because they just don't seem to worry like I do or care about climate. I feel guilty, confused, sad, angry at them, but also kinda 'over them'. But I don't tell them this I just kinda act normal (crazy I know, I'm too much of a people pleaser) Which I feel bad about again! It feels all clusterfucky in my head. Have you dealt with this? Why do you think people block out this stuff? How did you get the courage to just be upfront?
This was me last year, sent me into such a spiral that I'm back on anxiety meds, so my advice is don't let it get so bad that you end up there! But honestly, the way I've managed it since then has been to get involved in some small local climate action groups (some obviously so and others just climate-adjacent - like an olive harvest!) and it has both calmed my brain somewhat and, because I am sharing what I'm doing, it is less scary than just being all 'WHY AREN'T YOU PAYING ATTENTION' at people. Although I still have a regular urge to shout. But just doing stuff yourself and sharing what you are doing with others has been a winner for me so far. Big love over this struggle!
Thanks Jen I will definitely take those on board. I listened to the latest wild podcast yesterday and lo and behold it was all about communication! So that was really helpful and interesting. Big love back at ya! :)
Hi Sarah, I'm a big fan of your work, and I absolutely loved your books, especially your last one which had a backdrop of your hiking trips in there too. It was like reading a travel memoir as well (one of my fave genres). Thank you. Am interested in your writing tips/the creative process as I do a bit of writing, would love to know a bit more about that. Also, on a more personal note, how has your exercise/nutrition changed over the last few years (if at all)? Do you need to be more careful to avoid flares/less careful? Thanks so much x
Hi Sarah, your book, “First, We make the Beast Beautiful”, made a huge impact on my outlook on life and how to ignite my personal flame when it comes to my anxious hesitations. My question for you as a student of words is what do you tell yourself to help yourself go after things you feel unqualified for? I am in a position of immense change and am finding it hard to go after certain goals, including making a career shift from business towards the field of writing.
OMG Erika - I am in exactly the same boat! I have just quit my job after two years of talking about it and have a book nearly ready for publishing and want to write, speak and present workplace wellness workshops for adult mental health. The leap is scary AF but liberating and freeing. I have just read an re-read this book: Nancy Levin - Jump and your life will appear. It is awesome for helping navigate any leap. Also happy to connect with you and share my progress or be a change buddy. I invested in a psychologist and a therapist and mentors and doubled down on self love yoga and meditations and turned down all the outside noise (social media and social events) to find the answers and truth within. The other book I would recommend is Marie Forleo: Everything is Figureoutable you map out your dreams and all the risks which then gives you courage to take action knowing whatever happens you can handle it - and you can! Exciting times ahead :) Sorry Sarah hope you dont mind I responded to Erika - I got excited!!!
Super admire you and all that you do. Love your books and your raw honesty. I'm a clinical psychologist and work with people with anxiety and eating disorders/body image issues. Just curious about any thoughts you have on your own life & career as an attractive woman. How do you think looks have played a role (if at all) in your journey?
Gosh, that would be a tricky one to answer without sounding like I "reckon I'm attractive"! Ha! But I could, I guess, speak to the idea of "looking a certain way" (mainstream, white etc)
I don’t think I worded my question very well, sorry. But, yes, I guess I’m wondering what you would say about the role/impact of being a beautiful (yes you are!), white, woman… the impact of privilege … the benefits … the downsides … I might be wrong but I don’t think you mention that in your writings??
Sarah, can we talk about food choices? In the past you've talked a great deal about diet, about putting effort into sourcing quality local ingredients, about the problems with food waste, industrialised agriculture and the politics of what and how we eat. Thank you for you raising my awareness about all of these issues. Recently I read an article that made a case for veganism that I found extremely convincing and I can't stop thinking about it. It revealed how our 'use' of animals is not only violent and damaging to the environment, but it is anti-feminist, rascist and exploitative of people (labor). Making products out of animals perpetuates patriarchal, capitalist, colonial mindsets ie. all the things we're up against as climate activists! I am trying to transition to vegan diet as a result of reading this article. It's an extremely difficult transition. I think you may have ruled out veganism for yourself due to health reasons, and that is reasonable. But still, I wonder if you would read this article and share your thoughts about the big, confronting ideas this article raises for climate and social justice activists like us? https://lux-magazine.com/article/our-animals-ourselves/
Hi Sarah, I love all of your work. What you say about hiking, food choices, nature, getting vocal, going green makes sense and inspires me a lot. But sometimes I feel like there is so much to do, so many amazing people doing it - how can I? So, how do you aim high, but not so high you burn out/become anxious/stressed/defeated? How do you stay inspired by those doing amazing things rather than looking at yourself thinking - I can't do that so why bother? How do you listen and learn without becoming overwhelmed? Thanks for the energy you have Sarah, it keeps me going!
Hi Sarah, I’ve followed you for years and also admire your work and authenticity. I too love immersing myself in nature and hiking and my question is more of a practical one. I would like to start doing overnight hikes and am wondering what tent/swag you take for overnight hikes?
Love this question, also maybe talking through how you have the courage to go on overnight hikes by yourself (particularly as a woman). I have always been wary at the thought of hiking through the Aussie bush by myself and maybe if you could talk about how you got started doing this. I am currently only really a beginner hiker, Iv always loved walking but nothing too remote by myself, particularly overnight.
Hi Sarah! I live in an electorate that doesn't have any climate-focused independent candidates. It's also a labour seat. I usually vote Greens - I'm assuming this is this my best option for climate action? I know they give preferences to labour. Second question: can you explain voting for the senate and how we can make our vote count there?
So I can give prelim answers here. 1. I'm going to do something on IG in a few weeks, where I use a "panel" of ppl to help me answer ppl's individual electorate questions...stay tuned. 2. I'm doing a special election series on Wild starting from week after next and I'll answer your question here!
Hi Sarah, echoing what everyone else has said - you are an amazing human being and your book, first, we make the beast beautiful was epic in so many ways. My question is how do you navigate living life "your way" vs the norm or societal expected way of life? I am sure you have faced criticism or uncertainty (from people near and far) and yet still go your own way? At 42, having just quit my job (must change that profile picture!) I still cringed at my mums disappointment (WTF?) but I know its just her own fears. So I guess my question is what are your top tips for following your own path and truth? Thanks. Big love and keep being authentically you :)
Hi Sarah, thank you for your podcasts and your books. You got me interested from the i quit sugar days and i continue to be inspired by the work you put out there.
My question is what do we do if the same old politicians and political parties get back in power and nothing changes? i have a terrible anxiety when i ask myself that question, because it is possible like anything else is possible, and i need a plan for how to move forward after the election if it all goes pear-shaped and terrible leaders get back in power.
I have another question for you... After doing the exercise in episode #2 of Joanna Macy's podcast with some friends (we’ve created a podcast club as recommended and are loving it!), I was wondering what your vision is for the kind of world we want.
Hi Sarah! I’m curious how you navigate the balance between travelling and being so busy with work (which I imagine itself has many elements of travel within australia alone) and also being a foster carer. I seen in some of your previous Insta posts about having a young girl stay with you for quite a while. Has she now aged out of care? Or is there an arrangement between yourself and another carer for when you are away? In general, are you mostly open to short term/ crisis placements? And how do you manage the boundaries that need to be set with this?
How do you manage your desire to care and foster with your desire to travel and be free?
I’m not asking this is a negative manner, I’m genuinely curious and I also work in that industry so I find this part of your life vey interesting :)
Hi Everyone, nice to see you here...I'll note and bank your questions for today. Got a foster kid about to arrive for the weekend. An 8-year-old...and it's pelting down with rain...I'll have to get imaginative. Normally we head straight to the beach.... Have a great weekend, meantime. x
PS...I'l endeavour to cover off a few at a time in some audio posts over the next week or so...pending my healing from Covid
Inside camping is always a winner with 8 year olds… build a fort, pitch a tent, play cards 💗
We wound up just playing in puddles!
Hi Sarah when it comes to "Other Humans block out harsh realities" what do you do when those people are close to you? family, childhood best friends etc. Theres people in my life that I'm really close to (or were), but kinda feel like I'm letting them slip away because they just don't seem to worry like I do or care about climate. I feel guilty, confused, sad, angry at them, but also kinda 'over them'. But I don't tell them this I just kinda act normal (crazy I know, I'm too much of a people pleaser) Which I feel bad about again! It feels all clusterfucky in my head. Have you dealt with this? Why do you think people block out this stuff? How did you get the courage to just be upfront?
This was me last year, sent me into such a spiral that I'm back on anxiety meds, so my advice is don't let it get so bad that you end up there! But honestly, the way I've managed it since then has been to get involved in some small local climate action groups (some obviously so and others just climate-adjacent - like an olive harvest!) and it has both calmed my brain somewhat and, because I am sharing what I'm doing, it is less scary than just being all 'WHY AREN'T YOU PAYING ATTENTION' at people. Although I still have a regular urge to shout. But just doing stuff yourself and sharing what you are doing with others has been a winner for me so far. Big love over this struggle!
Thanks Jen I will definitely take those on board. I listened to the latest wild podcast yesterday and lo and behold it was all about communication! So that was really helpful and interesting. Big love back at ya! :)
Hi Sarah, I'm a big fan of your work, and I absolutely loved your books, especially your last one which had a backdrop of your hiking trips in there too. It was like reading a travel memoir as well (one of my fave genres). Thank you. Am interested in your writing tips/the creative process as I do a bit of writing, would love to know a bit more about that. Also, on a more personal note, how has your exercise/nutrition changed over the last few years (if at all)? Do you need to be more careful to avoid flares/less careful? Thanks so much x
cool. I'll have a think about both questions!
Hi Sarah, your book, “First, We make the Beast Beautiful”, made a huge impact on my outlook on life and how to ignite my personal flame when it comes to my anxious hesitations. My question for you as a student of words is what do you tell yourself to help yourself go after things you feel unqualified for? I am in a position of immense change and am finding it hard to go after certain goals, including making a career shift from business towards the field of writing.
OMG Erika - I am in exactly the same boat! I have just quit my job after two years of talking about it and have a book nearly ready for publishing and want to write, speak and present workplace wellness workshops for adult mental health. The leap is scary AF but liberating and freeing. I have just read an re-read this book: Nancy Levin - Jump and your life will appear. It is awesome for helping navigate any leap. Also happy to connect with you and share my progress or be a change buddy. I invested in a psychologist and a therapist and mentors and doubled down on self love yoga and meditations and turned down all the outside noise (social media and social events) to find the answers and truth within. The other book I would recommend is Marie Forleo: Everything is Figureoutable you map out your dreams and all the risks which then gives you courage to take action knowing whatever happens you can handle it - and you can! Exciting times ahead :) Sorry Sarah hope you dont mind I responded to Erika - I got excited!!!
Love your work. Big admirer of how you have had the courage to leave your past career behind and fight for the future.
My question is, was there anything specific that gave you the courage to do this work or was it an accumulation of events in your life?
Super admire you and all that you do. Love your books and your raw honesty. I'm a clinical psychologist and work with people with anxiety and eating disorders/body image issues. Just curious about any thoughts you have on your own life & career as an attractive woman. How do you think looks have played a role (if at all) in your journey?
Gosh, that would be a tricky one to answer without sounding like I "reckon I'm attractive"! Ha! But I could, I guess, speak to the idea of "looking a certain way" (mainstream, white etc)
I don’t think I worded my question very well, sorry. But, yes, I guess I’m wondering what you would say about the role/impact of being a beautiful (yes you are!), white, woman… the impact of privilege … the benefits … the downsides … I might be wrong but I don’t think you mention that in your writings??
it's a good, challenging question
Sarah, can we talk about food choices? In the past you've talked a great deal about diet, about putting effort into sourcing quality local ingredients, about the problems with food waste, industrialised agriculture and the politics of what and how we eat. Thank you for you raising my awareness about all of these issues. Recently I read an article that made a case for veganism that I found extremely convincing and I can't stop thinking about it. It revealed how our 'use' of animals is not only violent and damaging to the environment, but it is anti-feminist, rascist and exploitative of people (labor). Making products out of animals perpetuates patriarchal, capitalist, colonial mindsets ie. all the things we're up against as climate activists! I am trying to transition to vegan diet as a result of reading this article. It's an extremely difficult transition. I think you may have ruled out veganism for yourself due to health reasons, and that is reasonable. But still, I wonder if you would read this article and share your thoughts about the big, confronting ideas this article raises for climate and social justice activists like us? https://lux-magazine.com/article/our-animals-ourselves/
Hi Sarah, I love all of your work. What you say about hiking, food choices, nature, getting vocal, going green makes sense and inspires me a lot. But sometimes I feel like there is so much to do, so many amazing people doing it - how can I? So, how do you aim high, but not so high you burn out/become anxious/stressed/defeated? How do you stay inspired by those doing amazing things rather than looking at yourself thinking - I can't do that so why bother? How do you listen and learn without becoming overwhelmed? Thanks for the energy you have Sarah, it keeps me going!
I'll have fun answer this one
Hi Sarah, I’ve followed you for years and also admire your work and authenticity. I too love immersing myself in nature and hiking and my question is more of a practical one. I would like to start doing overnight hikes and am wondering what tent/swag you take for overnight hikes?
That's a good one....happy to take requests for any other kind of camping/hiking questions here, too
Love this question, also maybe talking through how you have the courage to go on overnight hikes by yourself (particularly as a woman). I have always been wary at the thought of hiking through the Aussie bush by myself and maybe if you could talk about how you got started doing this. I am currently only really a beginner hiker, Iv always loved walking but nothing too remote by myself, particularly overnight.
I too would like to hear more on this as I feel similar Pip.
Hi Sarah! I live in an electorate that doesn't have any climate-focused independent candidates. It's also a labour seat. I usually vote Greens - I'm assuming this is this my best option for climate action? I know they give preferences to labour. Second question: can you explain voting for the senate and how we can make our vote count there?
Fyi, it's the Gilmore electorate, historically a liberal seat.
So I can give prelim answers here. 1. I'm going to do something on IG in a few weeks, where I use a "panel" of ppl to help me answer ppl's individual electorate questions...stay tuned. 2. I'm doing a special election series on Wild starting from week after next and I'll answer your question here!
Awesome thank you!
Hi Sarah, echoing what everyone else has said - you are an amazing human being and your book, first, we make the beast beautiful was epic in so many ways. My question is how do you navigate living life "your way" vs the norm or societal expected way of life? I am sure you have faced criticism or uncertainty (from people near and far) and yet still go your own way? At 42, having just quit my job (must change that profile picture!) I still cringed at my mums disappointment (WTF?) but I know its just her own fears. So I guess my question is what are your top tips for following your own path and truth? Thanks. Big love and keep being authentically you :)
Hi Sarah, thank you for your podcasts and your books. You got me interested from the i quit sugar days and i continue to be inspired by the work you put out there.
My question is what do we do if the same old politicians and political parties get back in power and nothing changes? i have a terrible anxiety when i ask myself that question, because it is possible like anything else is possible, and i need a plan for how to move forward after the election if it all goes pear-shaped and terrible leaders get back in power.
Keep being you, Sarah! Intense, kind and generous.
Grace and peace x
Haven't got a choice but to be me, Ian! Hope you're safe up your way
You are amazing Sarah
Hi Sarah,
I have another question for you... After doing the exercise in episode #2 of Joanna Macy's podcast with some friends (we’ve created a podcast club as recommended and are loving it!), I was wondering what your vision is for the kind of world we want.
Here is the episode I am referring to: https://resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/episode-2-bonus-envisioning-the-great-turning/)
Would love to hear your version of it :)
Naty xxx
Hi Sarah! I’m curious how you navigate the balance between travelling and being so busy with work (which I imagine itself has many elements of travel within australia alone) and also being a foster carer. I seen in some of your previous Insta posts about having a young girl stay with you for quite a while. Has she now aged out of care? Or is there an arrangement between yourself and another carer for when you are away? In general, are you mostly open to short term/ crisis placements? And how do you manage the boundaries that need to be set with this?
How do you manage your desire to care and foster with your desire to travel and be free?
I’m not asking this is a negative manner, I’m genuinely curious and I also work in that industry so I find this part of your life vey interesting :)
Kelly x