Tanja
![image]()
*What is my vision for the world?*
I’d like to live in a world where each person’s needs for food, water, shelter, love and companionship are met, and where people feel able to make choices that value wellbeing over money.
*What can you do to help achieve this?*
Make sure you tell the people you love that you love them.
*Why do you want to act?*
Because I care, because I feel affected, and because acting can be empowering. I care about the state of our planet and the environment, and it saddens me that so many people — me included — can end up so disconnected from the world that sustains us, or the people we share it with.
I act because I believe it’s the small things we do day to day — how and what we choose to consume, the impact of our buying dollar, the messages we give to others through our actions and choices — that make the difference. The more people that consider themselves able to make small differences, the bigger a force we can become.
*If you could have any superpower what would it be?*
To be calm and content in any situation. It would be a superpower — really!
*Where is your favourite place in the world?*
I don’t really have a particular place, but the times I appreciate most are those when I’m spending real, honest time with people that I love. When I’m laughing or crying or giggling with friends — or making new ones! I love sunsets, beaches, shared meals and warm, loving people and environments. Music and food and fun…mmm, yum!
*What would you most like to change (for the better) about where you live?*
Tree’s, birds, greenery, less cars… I live in the inner west in Sydney, and although I absolutely love it at times, it can feel very disconnected from nature. I’d love a veggie patch. There’s nothing better than food fresh from the ground! I’m lucky to actually have birds in my yard — but it’s taken a while to notice them, and I can’t identify most of them — yet!
I really like the culture, politics and general awareness and accepting nature of the area where I live — if I could just transport that to the beach it’d be brilliant! I’d also like to feel like I could get on my bike in the morning and not be paranoid about traffic or breathing in the choking polluted air.
*What is your first reaction when you hear something you don’t agree with?*
Sadness, anger, frustration, condemnation — all of these things come up in me. It depends on the issue and who I’m talking to — and the strength of conviction (or stubbornness) behind someone’s statement — as to how I react. It also depends upon how much information I feel I have behind me to empower me to respond. Very often, I’ll try to challenge someone on an issue or attitude, but often I find this isn’t the most productive way to bring about change. There are times I’ve been up for fervent debate about issues like Veganism, Vegetarianism or Environmental Pollution — trying to convince people to see my perspective. I generally find though, that it’s more effective to make the choices that support you - ethically, emotionally, spiritually — and to live your beliefs. People quickly begin to ask why, which gives you more of an opportunity to put your case forward. When you do something about an issue you care about, you benefit directly from no longer feeling helpless about it. The choices you make can end up influencing others indirectly.
Often, hearing something I don’t agree with but not knowing how to respond just makes me more aware of the things I don’t understand — which makes me seek out a better understanding.
*What makes you laugh?*
Morning faces. My tap dancing dog. The silly things that come into my head. Other people’s embarrassing moments — and the absolute excruciation in their voices as they tell you about them! Being able to reflect on my own really uncomfortable or painful moments and see the funny side! Human interaction.
