Your Place In The Crowd

Don't kid yourself: You ARE involved.

The world we live in is fluid and enveloping. We affect our environment just by existing in it. Anthropologists widely recognize that you change your environment merely by observing it. There is no passive existence in this world. You cannot look on from a distance and think that you are irrelevant. OK- so that is important to understand. Now we can realize why we must be Good Global Citizens: it's because our presence is powerful. We are players in this game whether we chose to be or not.

Today the news is filled with dramatic stories of situations worldwide and touching pieces from close to home. They all have one thing in common- someone got involved and changed the course of events. Usually these people chose to be involved- they stepped in when needed, they took action when they saw a cause, they were part of a chain of events. But look in the periphery. The most amazing content is that about the bystanders who didn't actually stand by. Someone got involved merely due to proximity. They became heros or victims.

There's no such thing as being just a "person in the crowd". The crowd itself is an entity, made up of unique individuals who can influence the pattern of the party in a split second. If one person were to shout "FIRE!" then the crush would begin. One person can start a chant. One person can ignite an emotion.

The power comes from what you choose to DO with your presence. Consider how you will turn your potential energy into kinetic energy. Smile and put a warm feeling in your heart so that the energy you resonate will be welcoming to those around you. Echo peace so that your environment will be shaped by your calming presence. Offer help- become actively involved rather than passively impressive. Educate yourself so that you can educate others.

One person CAN change the world. Your presence DOES matter.

Reach for Dreams and Be Brave

A friend just informed me that a recent lost opportunity wasn't worth trying for because he didn't get it. That made me a little sad. There are a million adventures waiting to be had- some good, some bad, some scary, and some that are NOT to be missed. Most will change the direction of your life forever, in one way or another.

It is important to reach for dreams and stretch yourself. You learn a lot about yourself when you venture bravely out into the unknown. You must be daring and bold if you are to evolve. Only through the process of trying and failing and trying again and succeeding do we truly know success. If it's not difficult, it may not be worth having. So I implore you to set lofty goals, chase your dreams, and try...try...try again until you taste success or find yourself on a new path.

You must also remember that you are setting an example for someone. Someone in your life looks up to you, follows your every move, or just watches with loving curiosity the way in which you compose yourself after failure or handle the dangerous emotions of success. In both failure and triumph you can express grace and dignity, a quiet thankfulness and contentment, or you can boast and brag and make a fool of yourself. Someone is watching. What a great opportunity to be a role model for your admirers. Feel good about yourself in your efforts and strengths and learning milestones. Focus not on the outcome of your adventure. To live life fully you must be ambitious, brave and giving. Help others be bold as well. This is the way to a rich life, my Global Citizens.

The Globalization We Share With Each Other

Two friends surprised me with their globalization today! I write to ensure you know how very connected we all are, whether by kinship or vision, and these are two shining examples:

I'm looking for a destination for our next vacation. I assure you that every spot on this earth has been under consideration. I am not very good at planning vacations very far in advance because there are too many possibilities and my interactive mind sends ideas colliding into one another until my thoughts spin into chaos. My strength is in last-minute planning. Not procrastination, but "power-planning". I do very well under pressure, and not so well with leisure. So as I was updating my friend as to our current vacation plans (which will surely change again) she suggested a location (in a perfect Italian accent, no less) that I had not considered. Of course, to my surprise, she had been there on a magical adventure and I smirked with the realization that I had not known that she was so well-traveled. I shall not assume this again! I knew that my friend was wise to the ways of the world, perfectly eloquent about any topic one would care to discuss and intuitive as well. But I'm giddy with delight to know that globalization is going on behind my back, haha!

My other friend is a writer, an executive and a sage. She's truly a dynamo. She just returned from Africa where she advised and participated in a wonderful tapestry of events that culminated in a first-ever pageant bringing ambition and awareness to what I believe will be millions of people. This is a story about connecting women, providing inspiration and sharing hope. The lesson here is that we can all get involved, share a story and help make dreams come true. Please follow her blog at www.katcole.com. You'll be amazed at the business savvy, the kinship and the globalized mindset so powerfully packaged in one woman's soul.

Consider the globalization that you share (whether you know it or not) with your fellow citizens. We influence each other more than we realize. You leave a mark on each person with whom you talk. They remember small things you say, memories you mention and suggestions you give. Being good to each other is the first step. Broadening the minds of each other is the next!

Life is a Roller Coaster Ride

Life is a roller coaster ride! I was reminded today of the highs and lows that we can experience, particularly at this time of year. The expectations that we impose upon ourselves are enormous. And so I wanted to share a bit of relief with you: it's OK! It's OK to feel harried; it's OK to be frustrated; it's OK to feel like you just can't possibly please everyone, get everything done, and be as amazing as you'd like to be.

The point is to live your life fully, shortcomings and all. I feel so blessed to have my friends and family as a strong support system. I love to meet new people, share experiences, talk to old friends, connect with a kindred soul, and experience that emotional connection that happens when you look into someone's eyes and they nod in understanding.

Yesterday a friend had a difficult day, and he handled it with grace and poise that I've never seen before. I was amazed. Yesterday I talked with a girlfriend who (despite being Wonder Woman herself) shared with me her fears and shortcomings. Elegance comes from within, and these two friends are phenomenal examples of gentility. I hope that I'll master the sophistication of peace that these two must feel in their hearts.

So here is the gift and lesson that I'll take from my two friends: strength and remembrance. The next time I encounter something difficult, I will truly count my blessings. I will remember the gifts God has given to me and that He made me strong enough to handle the trials that I face. I will also try to be an example for the people around me and strive to be the person on the outside that I want to be on the inside.

And remember this: if I've met you- I've learned from you. Were you the example you hoped you'd be? And everyone you've ever met has learned from you as well. Good or bad. So be good! Is what you're doing reflective of the BEST you can do? This is why you are a Good Global Citizen. God bless!