A Second Late Christmas and A Heartfelt Thank You

I know, I know, yesterday was Late Christmas - but I have something in my hands which far outstrips the mere notion of InfoMedia's material! Unfortunately, it's not the secret to making millions instantly - though a claim like that makes me suspcious rather than hopeful. However, that does not mean that I am any less ecstatic to have it and hold it close to my heart!

My friend from Norway, Martin (some of you may have seen his comment on my first Late Christmas post), has sent me a CD he and his friend have lovingly made. Four tracks of awesome, country-spirit goodness. While I am not really a country music fan, I do love the pure skill and melody that Crossfire in the Stratosphere contains with each track. 

While the music plays, I have to be frank. I'm ecstatic and borderline in tears. The music is beautiful, that's without a doubt, but it's the memories I share with Martin that come to mind when the strains of his guitar and his friend's banjo wind through my room. I met Martin - and I hope he doesn't mind me sharing this with whomever reads this - in Mississauga, Ontario this past summer. 

We were both participants in a global non-profit called Junior Achievement (a whole blog post on them is to come), and we were both selected to go to the international conference held annually. Myself and a whole plane-load of other young Canadians represented Canada, and a handful of other delegates from as far away as Hong Kong to Sri Lanka to Ireland and more came to represent their own countries. Once in the main campus of U of T's Mississauga branch, the collection of over 190 delegates was split into several colour coded teams and were assigned to out-perform all other teams for a period of one week.

Martin and I were both part of Orange team - along with others from all over the world. That was how Martin and I met. So many memories and so many great lessons. One of which is something that I simply must share and must emphasize for it's importance - not only for business people, but for youth in general.

Become a Global Citizen.

We are not simply Americans, Canadians, Australians, English, French, Norwegian or whatever. We are all on this Earth - we've all got reason to be interested in other countries and other cultures. We're all here and we're all connected. It's imperative that youth realize that there is more to the world that the backyard, the internet and the television. 

I was once a part of a debate on YouTube surrounding the election campaign of President Elect Barack Obama. I was stating how much I hoped that Obama was elected - and how much I was sure that the majority of Canada hoped for it too. One middle-aged, frustrated and, in my opinion, shallow McCain supporter immediately bashed my post. He argued that "damn foreigners should stay the hell out of US politics". He then went on to rant about how the US's decision was the US's decision and it shouldn't matter to anyone else. It shouldn't matter to anyone else?!

I'm sorry - okay, I'm not - but, look here, if McCain's vice-presidential candidate advocated a war on Russia (Canada is already having turbulence with them over Artic Oil) is NOT something that Canada can overlook. It's not something that any country can or should overlook. It is of direct interest to other countries what President the USA elects - look at what happened with Bush! Not that I'm a Bush-whacker, I think the guy just happened to make some bad decisions.

But it is absolutely imperative that youth learn to be mindful of the global community. There are great reasons for this:

1. You are more educated in world cultures and thus can form more accurate conclusions.

2. You are better equipped to deal with debates or arguments on inter-culture matters (which can be important if you're in history class).

3. You can meet some pretty awesome people if you are tolerant and aware of global cultures - or at least show an interest in them. (Martin, I send my love and thanks for the wonderful CD)

4. Your world travels become so much easier if you know about the culture around you.

5. People will open up more to you if you show an active interest in their culture and history.

6. You become more aware of the world and gain a better appreciation for our Earth.

7. A Global Mindset is IMPERATIVE for Global Business (which is, by the way, filled to the brim with profit)

and

7. You'll just have more fun.

There are so many reasons to learn more about this world and those who live in it. There are so many reasons not to remain trapped within the confines of a limited knowledge of the Earth. Think about it - would someone from Europe do business with the middle-aged American who believes that it's all about him and America and that everyone else exists simply to watch from the sidelines? No - in fact, I'd be surprised if they didn't boot him out onto the street!

People do business with people they like. Now, don't mistake me - I'm not saying become a total people-pleaser. I'm saying get to know your global neighbors. When it comes down to it - American, Canadian, Native, Immigrant, Short, Tall - we all live on the Earth. If, by some chance, someone were to gain control over all the nuclear weapons on the face of the Earth, it would be EVERYONE's concern. There is currently enough nuclear weaponry in existance to eradicate the Earth (all of it, not just life, the planet itself) nine-times over. NINE TIMES.

So, get a Global Mindset - become mindful of the world and it's international community. If you want to be truly successful, you'll have to learn how to deal with other cultures. If you want to remotely enjoy your life, you'll have to learn another language at some point. If you don't, you might not be shown to the nearest restroom when the street vendor's food doesn't agree with you.

Make the World Yours, and Open Yourself to the World.

Namaste,

Clarise

PS: Thank you so much for the music, Martin. I love you so much! A GIANT hug to you and, of course, Teodor. 

PPS: Sorry this post is so much longer than I promised earlier... Forgive me? (Cue puppy eyes)