Indeed, for a year now I have been suffering from FEAR. Existential fear. I am afraid of the consequences of climate change. Afraid of the consequences of mass extinction. Afraid of AI. Afraid of even more inequality in society. Afraid of politics looking for black sheep instead of addressing the real problems. And above all: afraid for our youngsters and young adults and their future.

Fear is a horrible feeling. Initially, I constantly tried to push it away. But I have decided not to do that anymore. I don’t want to turn away from fear, but instead move towards it. 

I want to start bringing fear into my work. Because I don’t think I’m the only one with this fear. And I think it would be beneficial to face the fear together. For example, through group discussions or by developing rituals. This can be done in the movements I help set up in organisations. 

As soon as I decided to embrace my fear, I met Finn van den IJssel and Denissa Kasa. Finn is an art student (film) as well as studying Political Philosophy. Denissa is a young MSc grad and works for a financial company. Two super talented, intelligent, creative, fun and sweet young people. Who also suffer from anxiety.

And not just anxiety, but also disappointment about the world they are inheriting, sadness at the loss of nature and scepticism about whether this is going to be okay. And, they say: ‘Occasionally you read reports about climate anxiety among young people, but it is not really an issue. So then we have to talk about it ourselves!’ Both have developed beautiful initiatives with a large dose of creativity.

Denissa developed the project ’20‘s in the 20’s’. She asks people in their 20s to write an essay, poem or short story about what it is like to be in their 20’s now. She wants to turn it into a book later. 

Finn has made the short film ‘About Tomorrow’, about three young roommates who deal differently with the climate crisis. And he has developed a fantastic zine, ‘Feel & Rise’, for which he invites young people to write, write poetry and create images about their fears and sorrows about the eco-collapse, but also about their inspiration. All are very touching productions.

Denissa, Finn and I have agreed to keep meeting, sharing and learning from each other. I cherish this new connection. 

Do you know any young adults with initiatives like this? SUPPORT THEM! And let me know!

Also: ARE YOU EXPERIENCING FEAR about the current state of the world? Do you give it a place in your work? HOW? I’d love to hear from you!

❤️