One of my earliest memories in life, was the first time I saw a map of the Earth.

"Why are there lines all over it?", I asked my mother, who replied "That's just the way things are". I vividly remember the frustration and anger at the stupidity of the human species I had just joined, to ruin something so beautiful with lines that fundamentally did not need to exist.

Fast forward 30 years, and the number of shared connections and experiences between humans on Earth, is probably the highest it's ever been. So I ask the question again, why do we still believe in those lines on the map?

They say the root cause of all evil, is money. And after spending a decade in finance, I tend to agree. The corruption and greed that money brings, is enough to destroy even the purest of souls, and the most peaceful of lives.

So many people are trapped in an endless cycle of chasing money, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't need.

But, as I stand here today, reflecting on the world and its complexities, I can't help but feel a sense of hope and optimism. Yes, the lines on the map and the lure of money have shaped our world in ways that often seem disheartening. Yet, in this very moment, we are witnessing an extraordinary shift in consciousness.

Across the globe, individuals are awakening to the realization that true wealth lies not in our bank accounts, but in our connections with each other, in the richness of our experiences, and in the health of our planet. We are beginning to understand that happiness cannot be bought, but is found in the simple joys of life – in laughter shared with a friend, in the beauty of a sunset, or in the peacefulness of a quiet moment alone.

More and more people are breaking free from the shackles of material pursuit and are instead seeking fulfillment in giving back, in creating, in loving, and in living with purpose. This shift is not just a dream; it's happening right now. Communities are coming together to support one another, to protect our environment, and to build a future where the lines on the map are seen not as barriers, but as connections.

In this new world, we measure success not by the quantity of our possessions, but by the quality of our relationships and the positive impact we have on others. We are redefining what it means to be wealthy, and in doing so, we are creating a world that is richer in every sense of the word.

So, as I look back on that map from my childhood, I no longer see lines that divide. Instead, I see a tapestry of human experience, a world brimming with potential and ripe with opportunity for change. The future is ours to shape, and together, we can create a world where the only lines that matter are those that connect our hearts and minds.

As we move forward, let us carry this message of hope and unity. Let us remember that every small act of kindness, every gesture of compassion, and every step towards understanding, brings us closer to a world where the true beauty of humanity shines through the imaginary lines. Let's not just dream of a better world; let's create it, one connection, one experience, one shared moment at a time, together on this one planet.