Why small steps matter when finding your voice as an environmental leader.

Feeling like you're "not enough" to make a difference on climate change? You're not alone. In this episode, clinical psychologist Emily Toner explores how imposter syndrome and feelings of inadequacy keep us small—especially when the world needs our voices most.

What You'll Learn:

• How to transform feelings of "not enoughness".
• Why almost everyone struggles with imposter syndrome (and what that means for climate action).
• Three essential characteristics of resilient people who create lasting change.
• Practical steps to expand your comfort zone and speak up for your values.
• How to handle criticism and resistance when you start using your voice.

Perfect for: Anyone experiencing climate anxiety, environmental professionals who want to have more impact, activists seeking confidence, and leaders wanting to inspire authentic action in their communities.

Resources & Links
→ For more support, workshops and resources visit: emilytoner.com
→ Support the creation of this work: ko-fi.com/climatecourage

Missed the beginning? Start from Episode 1: “Climate Courage — Seeing the Human Side of the Crisis”

✨ Could being a little bit kinder to ourselves be the secret to collective climate courage?

In this episode of Climate Courage, Emily Toner, Clinical Psychologist, explores how self-compassion is the missing link we are to build the resilience and courage needed for the challenges ahead.

Building on the last session—where listeners examined unhelpful beliefs that fuel overwhelm and powerlessness—this conversation turns to the practice of tending to our inner nature with compassion rather than criticism. The research is clear, self-criticism is demotivating and keeps us from taking action, whereas self-compassion is shown to increase resilience, innovation, and willingness to take meaningful risks.

In this episode, listeners will learn:

• Why criticism is demotivating—and how compassion fosters courage.
• How to move from “not enough” thinking to “I am nature, I am powerful.”
• Practical ways to pause and respond with kindness in moments of eco-anxiety or climate despair.
• Why self-compassion is not a luxury but a radically important practice for climate resilience and collective wellbeing.

🌿 What will you water your inner nature with today? Criticism, or kindness?

Resources & Links
→ For more support, workshops and resources visit: emilytoner.com
→ Support the creation of this work: ko-fi.com/climatecourage

Missed the beginning? Start from Episode 1: “Climate Courage — Seeing the Human Side of the Crisis”

Do you ever catch yourself thinking: “I’m just one person, what difference can I really make?” or "What I do is insignificant, it makes no difference to the whole."

In this episode, we explore how to weed out unhelpful thoughts that lead to overwhelm and powerlessness, and plant seeds of connection and active hope.

Drawing on stories from climate activism, psychology, and host Emily Toner's inner circle, you’ll learn how small, intentional actions can ripple outward—just like Greta Thunberg’s first school strike or a friend who sparks lasting change without even realising it.

🌱 What you’ll discover in this episode:

• Why thoughts like “my actions don’t matter” are not always accurate and almost always disempowering—and how to let them pass.
• How one person’s presence and energy can influence entire communities.
• Real stories of ripple effects in climate and wellbeing movements.
• A guided mindfulness practice to connect with your inner nature and cultivate empowering beliefs.

This session is part of the Planetary Hope series—a 10-day journey into mindfulness, eco-resilience, and human sustainability. Together, we’ll nurture inner calm, strengthen our capacity to act, and remind ourselves that we are deeply interconnected: You are nature, and your actions matter.

🔗 If this practice resonates, please share the episode with a friend, colleague, or community group—it could be the start of their ripple effect too.

Resources & Links
→ For more support, workshops and resources visit: emilytoner.com
→ Support the creation of this work: ko-fi.com/climatecourage

Missed the beginning? Start from Episode 1: “Climate Courage — Seeing the Human Side of the Crisis”