What does green mean?
I checked the online slang dictionary; three definitions were given:
It’s the last definition that is most applicable to this second Grandparents Day Magazine issue of the 2019.
Many things became clearer to me after my husband and I became grandparents 21 months ago: I concluded that being a grandparent is easier than parenting; that young parents should have the power to look into the future to discern what truly is important in child-rearing and what isn’t; and that if we don’t make an effort now to preserve our planet for those who remain long after we’re gone, then we are irresponsible at best, and criminal at worst.
From all that I have read, it truly seems science supports the theory that we have to do more to save the planet and less of what is killing it. The theory of generativity comes to mind regarding this same matter.
Renowned psychologist, Erik Erikson, developed this theory that refers to making your mark on the world through caring for others as well as creating and accomplishing things that make the world a better place. This concern for others usually develops during middle age, perhaps between the ages of 40 and 65.
Generativity is active concern for people besides oneself; addressing the need to nurture things and people who will outlast you.
The opposite of generativity is stagnation. That word alone creates an aversion in me. Dictionary.com provides this definition of stagnation: ceasing to flow; a foulness or staleness; failure to develop, progress, or advance. Yuck! It’s no wonder ambivalence is considered the cornerstone of that way of living.
My grandson is not yet two-years old. I want him to be able to enjoy the great outdoors like his grandparents do; I want him to be able to go outside and not experience record breaking heat or cold; I don’t want him to not know what blue sky and clean air is; I want him to live in a world that supports a healthy environment so his children, and their children, benefit as much as did us previous inhabitants of the Earth.
As is often said, somewhat humorously yet so very accurately:
There is no Planet B.
If I must choose a color to be in my life, then green it is. It sure beats the murky alternative.
- Inexperienced
- Marijuana
- Environmentally beneficial
It’s the last definition that is most applicable to this second Grandparents Day Magazine issue of the 2019.
Many things became clearer to me after my husband and I became grandparents 21 months ago: I concluded that being a grandparent is easier than parenting; that young parents should have the power to look into the future to discern what truly is important in child-rearing and what isn’t; and that if we don’t make an effort now to preserve our planet for those who remain long after we’re gone, then we are irresponsible at best, and criminal at worst.
From all that I have read, it truly seems science supports the theory that we have to do more to save the planet and less of what is killing it. The theory of generativity comes to mind regarding this same matter.
Renowned psychologist, Erik Erikson, developed this theory that refers to making your mark on the world through caring for others as well as creating and accomplishing things that make the world a better place. This concern for others usually develops during middle age, perhaps between the ages of 40 and 65.
Generativity is active concern for people besides oneself; addressing the need to nurture things and people who will outlast you.
The opposite of generativity is stagnation. That word alone creates an aversion in me. Dictionary.com provides this definition of stagnation: ceasing to flow; a foulness or staleness; failure to develop, progress, or advance. Yuck! It’s no wonder ambivalence is considered the cornerstone of that way of living.
My grandson is not yet two-years old. I want him to be able to enjoy the great outdoors like his grandparents do; I want him to be able to go outside and not experience record breaking heat or cold; I don’t want him to not know what blue sky and clean air is; I want him to live in a world that supports a healthy environment so his children, and their children, benefit as much as did us previous inhabitants of the Earth.
As is often said, somewhat humorously yet so very accurately:
There is no Planet B.
If I must choose a color to be in my life, then green it is. It sure beats the murky alternative.
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Irene Frances Olson
Author of Requiem for the status quo, a novel that celebrates and encourages family caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. You can find that book HERE. Ms. Olson is a member of AlzAuthors, www.alzauthors.com, a compendium of authors who have all been affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. These authors share their experiences to bring knowledge, comfort and understanding to those on a similar journey. |
