How have things been? For you personally?
The world is not doing so well. I am sure the weather we have been experiencing is a telltale of what the future looks like, and on account of the mistakes humanity has made (and continues to make). Energy is more expensive now and we are all realizing what toll it has taken on our finances and our earth.
Decreased vacations? Closer to home jobs? Less food variety at the supermarket?
That is only the beginning.
What does it take to be a global citizen? A global citizen, to me, is one who puts off the local scene in order to take on the larger issues of the world. "Think globally, act locally." -- not the best slogan. Yes, we should all be doing things locally to help out our environment and conserve energy-- that is a given. We should also be looking at the world at large-- be part of a global network, learn other languages and see what your expertise can do to help others. The internet is a large help, but some people can venture further.
National Geographic reporters, world-wide philanthropists (probably rich), and a few celebrities decide to view the world as the bigger issue and all of a sudden we get to hear about it. I think the average person now has the ability to do similar work. Without the money there may be no trip involved, but continued blogging, social networking, and sites like http://www.couchsurfing.org/ make it easier to get in touch with anyone, anywhere.
So what do you do?
Honestly, what do you know how to do? Can someone benefit from it? Can you teach it? I am sure someone wants to know about it in a way that only you can explain it. You are that important.
What I am going to do...For one thing, I am going to change my mind from a local perspective to a global one. I am not looking at local schools with dwindling jobs but the chance to teach at schools in other countries-- but beyond that, I want to take part in a global online school. Take a listen to podcasts on Itunes-- the large universities are taking their classes online and even many classes are free. Information is available everywhere but people are still needed to disseminate the information. I see work to do.
I am also a composer, and soon this will be important in how I am able to take world problems and make them into pieces that can teach others. I may sound like an idealist, but everyone with any sense of worth is. This life is not long-- we all need to reach out as far as we can before we start reaching back in.
Does this apply to you? Yes. Do you have time? If you are young, you still need to explore your local environment. See what you can do to help and get a perspective. I have been around the state and I am still needed-- I just want to set my sites higher. I never looked too far beyond getting another gig or volunteering for another fundraiser. I have stayed busy, but I am preaching to the choir. I keep performing for the same people (for the most part) and the money is the same. Life is change-- I need that.
I will keep you all informed.
My changes will be well documented.
Thank you.
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