The idea of an individual"purpose" or "destiny" is something that most people tend to think about often. In the broad realm of climate action, where passion intertwines with purpose, I've found my thread—a calling that resonates with the very essence of who I am.
Ikigai (ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept — with Iki in Japanese meaning life, and gai describing value or worth. It refers to something that gives a person a sense of purpose and roughly translated to "the reason for being". My ikigai revealed itself not in a sudden epiphany, but through a journey of self-discovery and connecting-the-dots that led me to environmental justice stewardship.
Rooted in Advocacy
Growing up in The Bahamas, I was surrounded my iconically beautiful beaches and a vibrant culture that shaped my early understanding of the world. But it was my journeys abroad—to the USA, Namibia, the UK, and Brazil—that truly expanded my horizons and ignited a passion for advocating for marginalized communities.
These experiences weren't just stamps in my passport; they were chapters in a story of global interconnectedness. I found myself drawn to the threads that tie us together—the shared histories, the collective struggles, and the innovative spirit that pulses through marginalized communities worldwide. It's a curiosity that has evolved into a driving force, pushing me to understand and reimagine how we approach environmental justice and pursue liberatory futures.
In community with others, I've discovered a radical joy in envisioning sustainable tomorrows. It's not just about problem-solving; it's about dreaming big, pushing boundaries, and believing in the power of collective imagination. This passion for co-creating better worlds has become the bedrock of my purpose, fueling my commitment to advocacy and change.
Communicating Impact Through Impactful Solutions
Communication (read: yapping) has always been my forte, but I'm realizing it's more than just having "a way with words." It's about bridging gaps—between complex environmental issues and public understanding, between policy makers and affected communities, between the urgency of now and the potential of tomorrow.
I'm good at distilling intricate concepts into digestible narratives, but I'm hungry to sharpen this skill further. My goal is to master the nuanced art of translating environmental challenges into stories that not only resonate and inspire but catalyze real action, in the way that I see so many others I admire do. It's a continuous journey of improvement, one where I'm constantly seeking to refine my strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
Public speaking energizes me, and I'm learning to harness that energy more effectively. But beyond the podium, I'm cultivating the ability to listen deeply, to facilitate dialogues that bring diverse voices to the table. It's in these spaces of exchange that true innovation often emerges.
A Vocation Beyond Borders
Throughout this, I've come to understand more clearly that the world doesn't just need climate mitigation; it needs a fundamental reimagining of how we approach environmental challenges through the lens of social justice. My interdisciplinary background and entrepreneurial curiosity serve me well here, allowing me to see connections where others might see divisions.
While I may not hold a STEM degree, I'm committed to understanding and addressing the engineered injustices of our time. It's a deep-seated desire to be wherever I can make the most impact (and have fun!), from policy and planning , to lecturing and community organizing, or even entrepreneurial endeavors. Environmental justice is my north star, guiding me through the complexities of career choices and professional identity.
Navigating the Professional Landscape
In navigating the professional landscape, I've come to embrace my identity as a multi-hyphenate. The traditional notion of a linear career path feels constraining in a world that demands adaptability and cross-disciplinary thinking. Instead, I'm carving out a space where my diverse skills and passions can converge to create meaningful impact.
Whether it's through research, education, or social impact programming, I'm seeking roles that allow me to contribute to organizations providing impactful solutions. The excitement of this journey is palpable, even as I acknowledge the uncertainty that comes with charting an unconventional path.
I'm not just looking for a job; I'm cultivating a career that aligns with my values and allows me to grow in multiple directions. It's about finding that sweet spot where my skills, passions, and the world's needs intersect—a place where I can thrive professionally while driving positive change.
In embracing this vocation that spans continents and cultures, I've found a sense of purpose that feels both deeply personal and universally connected. It's a journey that continues to challenge and inspire me, reminding me daily of the power we hold when we come together across borders to imagine and create a more just and sustainable future for all.
✶ Environmental Justice Stewardship
In everything I do, formally or informally, I want to create a more just and sustainable world by promoting that which prioritizes both social and environmental well-being. Whether it is a job or hosting salon-style dinner parties with my friends, this remains true. Therefore, At the heart of my ikigai diagram, where passion, mission, profession, and vocation converge, lies environmental justice stewardship. In naming this, I feel beyond content because it resonates.
While crafting my ikigai diagram, I was struck by the warnings of "emptiness", "uselessness", and "uncertainty" and "no wealth" that exists when we settle at the sub-intersections. Yet, in environmental justice stewardship, I've found a center that holds and largely supercedes these potential threats. This reigns especially and personally true when considering that the concept of wealth deserves to be expanded beyond individual monetary gains and redefined towards community wealth, relationships built, and positive changes catalyzed, and living in aligned fulfillment.
This path's dynamic nature excites me, demanding creativity and adaptability. Getting to this understanding required deep introspection, allowing me to arrive at a comfortable point that demands unwavering commitment. It's a journey of perpetual personal growth—challenging yet profoundly rewarding—and one that I've accepted. As I navigate this course, I'm filled with gratitude for the clarity of purpose it provides, the energy it ignites, and the positive relationships it fosters.
As I move forward, I carry with me the roots of my Caribbean upbringing, the lessons from my formal education along with those of communities I've been privileged to learn from throughout my global experiences, and an unwavering belief in our collective power to create a more just and sustainable world. In this, I'm reminded that environmental justice isn't just about protecting the planet; it's about honoring the diverse tapestry of human experiences that make our world so rich.
This is my ikigai—my reason for being—and in it, I am whole, energized, and ready to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in our shared pursuit of environmental justice. If you've read this far, thanks! I hope my rambling about purpose have been inspiring, to some degree for your own journey, or at the very least, thought-provoking.
-until we cross paths (again), camille :)
Great idea to annotate and share the Ikigai diagram. I've always loved this diagram, and you've inspired me to work on sharing mine! You have wonderful reflections as well. :)