What We Can Learn from Asia
I am one of those fortunate people who did not need to board a flight this past holiday. My family is local: My parents live 45 minutes away on the Peninsula, and my sister, brother-in-law and three nephews and nieces, Will, Connor and Lindsey live about 1 mile from my parents.
That’s truly been a joy for me, the simple presence of family. Being able to babysit last minute; experiencing the chaos of taking care of kids during ‘meltdown time’ at 5 pm with a 6, 4 and 1 year old when they were growing up ; celebrating their progress on their soccer field; scootering with them to ice cream on a warm summer night, after dinner.
Why do we allow ourselves to live apart? Why is it so accepted?
I know I am fortunate. Sometimes people have to move because of marriage. A new job. Taking care of an elderly parent. All very legitimate reasons which contribute to family, and yet, also separate…
In a recent Gallup Poll, 16% of the world said they would like to move to another country. This comes from both dire situations (such as Somalia) to the desire for luxury or adventure. But in one region the rates are lower than Europe and America: Asia. Due to progress in political freedoms and enhanced economic opportunities, many Asians are staying put: Only 10% desire to move. But there’s another factor as well: Close family ties, and a cultural commitment to taking care of family, keeps the desire to move low.
Let’s learn, if we are so fortunate, from this cultural and familial commitment to keep family close…