What Matters to You – The Highs and Lows

No matter who you talk to, there are always the “highs & lows.” It’s just the way of life, just the way it goes, it seems. The folks that I admire the most are those who can capitalize on the highs and learn from the lows. Mathew McConaughey wrote a book called “Green Lights,” I have yet to read it myself, but I did manage to catch an interview of him speaking about it. He basically documented the things he was doing when he was getting the proverbial “Green Lights” in his life, and conversely, he also documented the “Red Lights” he was getting when things were not going his way. The “Highs and the Lows,” as he discovered, were greatly impacted by what he was able to control: himself. I thought that was very insightful and helpful.

Looking Inward

Although far too many things are out of our control, there are some things we can influence. We should look at ourselves and see how to change our behaviors and perceptions to get the most out of this life and the road we travel. Cherish the highs, learn from the lows, and get through them as quickly as possible. Help others to celebrate their successes and help them to succeed. Sharing the view from the top of a mountain is always better than telling someone else about it. Lending a hand may take a little extra time that day, but over the years and weeks, it will be very worth it, as things seem to return to those who help others. Paying it forward, as it were.

Needing help doesn’t justify being rude

Over the last few weeks in the office, however, we have seen an alarming pattern that I’d like to address. I’m unsure if it is the “Fear Biting” effect or the “lashing out” because of stress or frustration but beating up on folks trying to help is 100 percent counterproductive. From what I’ve heard, healthcare gets it far too often, as do folks in the service industry. Hitting the helping hand that’s extended is not a solid plan. Climbing that mountain is going to be very challenging, to say the least, but slapping it away and berating the person who is pulling you up when you cry for help is just downright counterproductive. My staff will do all that they can to be there for you, but I have directed them over the last few weeks, quite simply, that they are not to tolerate any verbal or written abuse. There are lots of folks who need help that are not abusive, rude, or obnoxious, and quite frankly, they will get the priority of time.

Public safety protocols

Several inquiries have been made regarding “Mandates” and “Protocols” for public safety and health as crops come off and as the kids head back to school. I’m not impressed by the media ramping up the fear meter again either, as it does not help anyone run around like chicken little, nor does it help to cause undue stress on an already stressed population. We all had a very long three years of it, and quite frankly, we want to get our lives back on track. I can let you know that we sure as heck won’t be running back to the place that we just made it out of because some report looking for social media clicks writes some hyper-sensationalized article. Despite what they may believe, there is a cold flu season, always has been and always will be. Simple things keep us healthy: wash your hands a lot, don’t touch your face, and if you are not feeling well, stay at home so you can get over it without getting a bunch of other folks sick. Keep positive, eat well, and keep the probiotics up.

Surveillance Cameras

Some folks have been very concerned about the surveillance on our highways and side roads. Towns, cities, counties, and even transportation departments use cameras for many reasons for gathering data and enforcing rules. I’ve had a few that have taken a particular interest in my license plate, and I had the honour of paying them for sending me a picture of it in the mail, letting me know that I was too fast for that stretch of road, apparently. For those who are concerned about surveillance, I’ve suggested that the traffic cameras are the least of your concerns if you have a cell phone and a social media account. The information that is mined from our phones, what is given freely without thinking of our social media presence, is simply staggering compared to what a traffic camera could provide. Some of the joys of living in the country are no traffic lights, and I can leave my cell phone at home if I choose.

India is on the rise

I recently was named Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Corridor Development, reporting directly to the Premier. I’m very happy to continue this file and make even more inroads with other provinces, the USA, and globally. I’ll be looking to solidify the concept and ratify memorandums of understanding with other regions, states, and provinces of the concept that will garner real investment and development. I recently met with the Consulate General of India to discuss this further. They have a real need for securing energy supply and food security. They are literally the largest democratic country in the world by population and the most populous nation, recently surpassing China. In addition, their economy is very strong and is projected to rival the USA in the next 20 years. They also just landed a spacecraft on the moon. India is definitely on the rise, and they want to do business with us.

Again: Alberta would benefit from more economic corridors

Economic corridors are more than just roads, railroads, airports, powerlines, and pipelines. They are literally conduits between people and regions. The corridors facilitate communications and long-lasting mutually beneficial relationships that encourage economic growth and prosperity in a responsible manner. This is why the model has gained so much momentum and why it resonates at local and international levels.

Alberta needs to continue to lead in this area. It’s policies like this that build nations, secure our future, and ensure that generations for years to come will reap the rewards. As you can probably tell, this is one of those highs for me. To be able to help create a framework that will be long-lasting, that will create prosperity, and that will help keep us strong and free.

Sincerely,

Shane Getson