While writing this, I’m following the news updates about the US-Israel attacks on Iran. Some of you might be enjoying the weekend, recovering energy from a busy week at work. But at least 60 innocent lives (in a girl’s elementary school) and perhaps more will no longer wake up to a new week. Others in the Middle East, migrants and non-migrants alike, now face the fear of their countries potentially being sucked into a deeper conflict.
It’s not to dampen your day, wherever you are in the world. But it’s just to wake you up to the reality around us. I’m not discounting the possibility, no matter how small it might be, that a third world war might happen in our time and generation.
Certainly, we face a time of uncertainty. This uncertainty hit me hard in the past year while I built a business from scratch, and while I reflected on whether I’ll keep living and working abroad.
Last year, I returned to the Philippines and talked to a mentor. We talked about health, wealth, and family. But at one point, I told my mentor about my dilemma of staying in Europe.
I fear the geopolitical risks. I’m frustrated with the bureaucracy and taxes, and disillusioned about evolving migration policies. But also, I’m not sure if I could return to my old life and career in the Philippines, enduring the same frustrations that made me leave.
At that time, I knew I was being irrational. And I know I tend to get anxious when thinking about the future.
“Do you think we’ll have another war?” I asked my mentor.
Instead of dismissing me and advising me not to overthink (which is what other people tend to do), my mentor told me, “No country can afford another war.”
As a numbers person, this resonated with me and helped to calm me for a bit.
Indeed, war entails cost. Previous wars sent some nations into bankruptcy. Countries rely on trade and international collaboration. Geopolitical instability would destroy economies. But the greatest cost of all? Innocent lives lost forever.
Back when I reviewed financial statements as part of my audits, I was painfully aware of how companies downplay the geopolitical risks in their disclosures. But outside the financial statements, company leaders probably know the real risks, the real business-stoppers, the real threats.
How about us? Ordinary people who lead ordinary lives? We’re always caught in the crosshairs of global decisions. We’re the ones who suffer, and also benefit if the decision-makers above us make those history-changing moves.
Don’t we also deserve to take control of our lives?
I choose to master what’s only within my control, including how I react to situations that are beyond my control. Thus, despite all that’s happening around me, I still dared to return to Europe. I still hope and keep my faith in the people around me. I still believe that most of us want to live and die in peace.
We’re not meant to destroy each other. We’re meant to love and protect. Thus, we must condemn any act of war or violence. It’s stupid and against the divine purpose granted to us.
My hope also lies at the heart of my writing and everything I do. I’m hopeful for a future where countries could learn to set aside their prejudices, where they exchange knowledge and skills, borrow and return talent, and solve problems together.
I’m still hopeful for a future. On Friday, I booked a trip to attend a friend’s wedding in the US. Yesterday, I reviewed our business’s financial books. In the coming weeks, I’m preparing to launch the print version of my book. Still actively working to earn money. And still making the most out of every moment.
And may that hope live and reign in you, too.
PS. Those of us who live and work abroad already face too many survival battles day in and day out. It’s a reality check, one that we must tell those who aspire to live and work in another country in the future.
That’s why I wrote Survive and Thrive for aspiring migrants and future dreamers. I want them to be aware of both the gains and the pains. If you’re one or know one, feel free to read or recommend the book to others.
Despite its title, it’s not really a survival guide, but more of a decision-making tool for those who want to make the most out of a global career and life adventure. It’s my version of Eat, Pray, Love, but tailored for young professionals and more practical.
If you’re curious to know more, check out the book here.
That’s all for now. Let’s hope, pray, and cherish every moment!