When life gives you lemons...plant lemon trees

Brexit is inevitable. We could continue to bicker, debate and complain especially in the Houses of Parliament, work canteens or passing conversation. However, given that the “hand” has been forced – why not embrace the opportunity to pioneer the future rather than cower to defeatism and propaganda and rhetoric?

Brexit affords us the opportunity to challenge certain norms and cultural behaviours that no longer reflect the diaspora that now collocate across Europe. Therefore, through a certain lens - could Brexit be the very opportunity we need for cultural, social and economic evolution?

I often wonder what the impact would be if we underpinned Brexit with a need to meet the tenet of Inclusion and Diversity. Consider a meritocracy that qualifies one based on capability and not the existence or lack thereof of physical, emotional or mental traits deemed as ‘normal’. In a world full of unique people, what is normal? In my perspective normal is being human; beautifully imperfect but empowered to affect positive change.

Given we are but the tapestry of the ecosystems that we have grown in – should we not embrace the privilege of being able to define what better looks like for the future?

If we continue to live in a world of fear – will we not just end up creating a world that reflects that? A world after our image – riddled with our insecurities and defence mechanisms and injustices?

Imagine a world where the fundamentals of infrastructure exists across communities. An evolution of connected cities – call it connected markets that cross country boundaries; causing the redefinition of what a ‘border’ is. We live in an age where I do not need to open my house door in order to share an enjoyable memory or experience with you; digital challenges silos and drives interdependence. Could it be that globalisation or true connectedness requires the cultural shackles of the past to be broken in order to pave way for the new, the evolved. Brexit provides that unique 'necessity' for change. Humility often delivers sober thinking, and as an aside, I imagine that if people could experience a ‘good life’ in their own respective countries and heritage they often really would not want to move to other countries like the UK. As humans we have foundational needs, such as, breath, food, drink, education and learning; indeed connectivity is not too far behind. After all, we are relational, communal beings.

Then the bubble bursts and reality reminds me that this was never an exam question on equality – but rather a battle about power – a game of thrones for the global economy.

Should we give up based on the winds of inevitability? We shouldn’t. Maybe, just maybe we can encourage the valuing of each other more than self; to define a world where those that steadfastly serve are recognised and celebrated; a world where we empower all to be active contributors to community, society and the economy.

Technology from my perspective, exists to augment and amplify our lifestyles rather than to circumvent them. So let us wield this curious invention and innovate as a means of serving the present and future us; and not be stifled by how things have been in the past.