The Wisdom of Casey Kasem

Two days ago we wrote an article about wanting to leave Calgary and live in Europe. The next day Craig was worried that people might think he’s anti-Canadian, or others may think; “What does this have to do with the purpose of your blog – helping people?” We don’t want people to think we aren’t proud Canadians. Kris bought packs of the special Olympic packaged “Excel” gum the other day, and Craig gets choked up seeing the red maple leaf emblazoned on the pieces of gum!! The point of all that was (and the relation to our blog) is that there is nothing wrong with wanting something more. Something better.

Kris’ mother is a Dutch citizen and when Kris grew up there in the ‘80’s, she was given ample opportunity to get a Dutch passport. “No” was always her reply, because she knew she wanted to move back to Canada one day. She was/is a proud Canadian. Craig grew up thinking Calgary was the best place in the world. Canada has lots to offer and is a treasure trove of beauty and riches; however, it can be scary at the same time. From Neo-Nazi’s in the Conservative party (thanks for pissing off the Mexican’s and Czech’s Mr. Kenney, and who votes for a guy who’s own party muzzles him?- they don’t even allow him to campaign! - the mystery that is Rob Anders), to the Liberals who would bring in economic policies that would make our last recession look like a tea party. I won’t even mention the horror of a Socialist Welfare State under the NDP!!

Flat out, our desire to move to Spain is based solely on wanting something better. Our idea: winter in Spain, summer (well at least what we call it), back in Canada. Wanting a better life doesn’t make us unpatriotic does it? Does wanting something better make you a bad person? An irresponsible person? Craig was raised to believe that accepting status quo is the norm, and one does not “push back” against society. There is nothing wrong with that, and Craig’s parents are wonderful people. That was “the norm” for their generation. It took Craig a long time to realize that. Craig’s father worked at the same company for almost thirty years. That was the norm for that generation. Nowadays, people change jobs on average every 2-3 years. That is now the norm. Society is changing and understanding the fact that people want something better.

Status quo and fear is what kept Craig from moving to Europe in the early ‘90’s. It’s what kept Kris from obtaining a Dutch Passport in the ’80’s. The desire to be better, or want something better is only a bad thing when it is couple by a Machiavellian “the end justifies the means” type attitude and greed. Your desire for betterment should not hurt others along the way. It should be something truly for yourself; whether that be a better lifestyle, or a better job. We should all always be striving for something better. What a world this would be if we all strived to just do better.

“Jungle” Jim Hunter is a former world class downhill skier. He was an original member of the “Crazy Canucks” ski team. He is now a motivational speaker, who has a radio program on Saturday mornings on the FAN 960 (AM Radio) in Calgary. We would encourage you all to listen to it. (For those out of the Calgary area – you can listen at www.thefan960.com) Jim’s message is simple. If you set your goals low, that is exactly what you will achieve. He was baffled at the Canadian Olympic committees messaging back in the ‘90’s where we considered ourselves a success if “we just place in the top 20”. They celebrated when that’s what we did, while the rest of us wondered why the heck we weren’t winning any medals? The “Own the Podium” campaign was built to raise money for athletes, but it’s also built around the notion that to get to the podium we have to believe we can get there. If you aren’t trying to be number one, then why are you trying at all? At the 1988 Olympics in Calgary, Canada’s goal was to win a gold medal. One – just one. In 2010 in Vancouver our goal is to be the top medal winning country. That’s what China did in 2008, and almost succeeded. Setting lofty goals is what you need to stretch yourself. It’s what you need to truly better your life.

What does this have to do with Casey Kasem you ask? Let’s start with who Casey Kasem is. Casey Kasem is an American Radio personality who is also known for his voice over work. He was the original voice of Shaggy in the old “Scooby Doo” television series. He is ultimately best known for his weekly syndicated radio show American Top 40. Casey would end his show every week with the line “keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars.” Words to live by Casey, words to live by. . .

Welterusten!!