ABC's: The Foundations of Learning

ABC: A Better Citizen

And what does it mean to be a Global Citizen?

 

Well, I think it’s quite obvious: a citizen of the world. Does that literally mean that I go into life thinking I can become a literal citizen of each country, obtaining tangible documents from each country to prove that I belong to 195 nations? No! It means that I look to respect and be respected wherever I go. I interact, relate, and connect with those low and high, no background check required.

 

Now, many may look at this as an innocent view of the world. “How do you expect everyone to respect you?” “How do you expect to just like everyone you’re put in front of, every person that crosses your path?” That’s what the critic and judge say inside me when I make a declaration as big as I will respect and be respected by every person I encounter. That is a tremendous feat. People are difficult. I know cause I’m difficult. The fact of the matter is no one likes the same cup of tea. Respect is a decision to make. And I’ve made the decision to work towards peace and unity; a matter of liking or loving another is one thing but respect goes first.

 

Respect is listening to another when they talk because what they say matters. Respect is commonplace manners, politeness. Respect is never raising your voice at another. So, in actuality if I respect you, I am loving you. I am being patient with you. I am being kind to you. I am using loving and honest words towards you. And if I turn that in on myself, self-respect is discipline and choosing to embrace that journey is self-love. For example, I may become vehemently upset about a topic being discussed but must refrain from using angry words and instead choose to be kind, using loving and honest words. That is strength, first of all! And it is self-restraint, self-control, self-discipline, however you choose to spin it! So, if I choose to critique and judge myself, it only creates self-hatred.

 

Back to being a global citizen, I want to be a globetrotter. I will have to first implement these foundations in my home: myself, my household and my country before I step foot outside. Once I have enough experience, which creates expertise, I can leave the bird’s nest and fly away. Soar. Become a global citizen.

 

I am not guaranteed access or acceptability to all the lands that God created but I am sure that this foundation will take me many places and my goal of becoming a global citizen will be accomplished. For as I was told since I was a little girl, “manners will take you around the world,” I am sure to find favour when I choose to lay down the rule of respect.