Throughout my years as a writer, coach and traveler, I have developed and expanded on a philosophy that serves as a basis for my work.
What is a Global Citizen?
My original coaching business founded in 2004 and called Global Citizen Coaching derived its name from a book I wrote entitled “The Global Citizen: A Guide to Creating an International Life and Career” and a follow up book “The Global Citizen’s Get Started Guide to Working Abroad”. For the purpose of the books, I describe global citizens like this:
“Global citizens are opened-minded people from any culture who are interested in the world at large and are passionate about living fulfilling lives. The term “global citizen” creates an awareness of the existence of a whole category of internationally-oriented people who derive satisfaction from life by discovering the world.
The global citizen’s philosophy is based on the awareness that stimulating experiences of meeting people from different cultures and living in foreign countries help us develop as people. As we clarify our understanding of ourselves and our world, we improve the quality of our lives.”
Although I still very much believe in that definition, after over 20 years of pursuing my interest in the fields of life coaching, personal development and conscious living, and working with a variety of global-oriented people from many countries, I would like to expand my definition of what it means to be a global citizen as I now view it:
We are all global citizens in the sense that we are all an interconnected part of the world’s 6 billion plus population. Yet, relatively few people are consciously aware of how our interconnectedness relates to living our soul purpose.
For me, being a global citizen is not only about expanding your horizons by exploring the world, but also being aware and conscious – living your life on purpose with purpose for your own meaning and fulfilment as well as for making a positive and inspiring difference in the world in your unique way.
Through my journey as a mother, life coach, yoga practicioner and traveler, I’ve come to the conclusion that being a global citizen is about making the conscious and intentional choice to honor your soul purpose to be your highest self – wherever you journey and settle in the world.
Why is it so important to be your highest self? In this globally connected modern world, we can engage our shared sense of belonging and collective power as global citizens to positively influence our lives and those of others.
It is in our best interest to be our highest selves and teach our children and the next generations the same so that our leaders, schools, companies and governments will have the skills, insight and wisdom to not only prevail, but also to inspire those who come next.
If we all of us do our part to consciously live our soul purpose on purpose, we can recognize our role as global citizens and “be the change we wish to see in the world (Ghandi)”.