21 Comments

Iyer's framework reminds me of the myriad of ways we can connect and contribute. Thank you for sharing, Lou! 🩷🩷🩷

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I keep thinking of that series Lost. They all came with their personal stories/baggage, but they all had a part to play. Granted, some were a bit loony, but still 😉. Cheers!

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Inspiring. Thank you.

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Cheers, Julie!

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Thank you for reminding us and providing us with information to help us recognize the many possible ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others!! I definitely fall under caregiver, weaver, and storyteller. And thank you for the shout out! 💖💖

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You bet, Nancy. I love the premise of your newsletter. 🤗

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Love this so much! I fit into four categories: storyteller, caregiver, disruptor (especially re plastic pollution) and healer, providing homes for mountain bluebirds and tree swallows, who have nowhere to live because of habitat loss. This made me feel really happy. I can only do so much, where I am in my life, but I’m not going to give in to despair. People may not realize it, but this result has affected Canada, especially Alberta, too. It’s very stressful to contemplate the potential consequences. We have to be strong together. (thanks for the shout-out, Lou. Good people resonate beauty and power into the world, I believe).

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"I can only do so much, where I am in my life, but I’m not going to give in to despair." Hear, hear, Lise! We are kindred spirits in this "fight". Cheers!

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I love how you highlighted the role of the "Storyteller" in Iyer's framework. As someone who finds solace and inspiration in stories, I believe they have an incredible ability to connect us, build empathy, and ignite change. Stories have the power to transport us to different worlds, challenge our perspectives, and remind us of our shared humanity. In times of crisis, stories can be a lifeline, offering hope, comfort, and a sense of community. I'm curious, Lou, what stories have been particularly impactful for you during challenging times?

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Thanks so much for adding to the conversation about stories, Alexander. I totally agree. I gravitate toward stories of reinvention during challenging times, of people doing something to get through to the other side. What about you?

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Active hopefulness... I love that phrasing. I find myself leaning towards storytelling also. Although, I'd love to lean more into connection as well. I need to remind myself to check on friends frequently and take action when and where I can to provide solace and comfort to others.

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I've been playing with that phrase "active hope/hopefulness" for a couple of weeks now. Let's see where it leads; I actually think it can intersect with "play". 😉

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This framework is so helpful; it gives me a structure for imagining what's possible. Thank you.

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You're welcome, Rita. Although Deepa Iyer developed it for social change, I do see it having different applications too. Cheers!

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I love this. I think k with my poetry and poetry workshops I would fall under storyteller, healer and visionary… I remind others that we are capable of healing and we create the future. https://coriefeiner.substack.com

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Hi Corie. I can totally see how your focus naturally leads you to those roles. Thanks so much for dropping your link too! Cheers.

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Thank you for the confirmation. I always think I can do more…. But that will come. Thank you for the solid guidance and inspiration.

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I like to think that you - and all of us in the 'older' space - are trailblazing a new way of living our longer lives. i think this is a huge service to humanity, and a potential unleashing of vast stores of never-tapped into wisdom and experience.

So I think many of us underestimate the good we're already doing.

I'd count you in Lou.

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I think about those a decade or so ahead of me and how inspired/motivated I am just by observing what they are doing. You're so right, Avivah! Cheers.

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TY for introducing me to the social change map and the roles we play. Powerful and insightful as we navigate social change.

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You're welcome, Mo. Cheers.

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