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GREW-UP IN POVERTY (it affects you pos & neg)

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with people first...then business Ran Right Realty 636943 licensed to thrill

Take a moment to consider what a child's world is like. Tax your memory if you have to or visit kindergartens or pre-schools for observation & an update. What do they know? Their world is what is presented to them no more no less. However, at a certain age where peers start to speak-up, act differently etc., other children take note. Still a mystery but also the beginning of your growing-up, childhood reality

CHILDHOOD

It is too brief, doesn't last long nor does it answer relevant questions while it does reveal what is going on & what is not going on. In my case, having holes in my shoes was normal & I continued to wear them without a peep sound. Why? Why not? These were the only shoes I had. Used cardboard inserts & made it work fine

OTHER KIDS' OPINION

At some point, another kid or two pointed out to me about my shoes falling apart. But here is a strange phenomenon. When I saw it or became aware of it, I felt one way. When other kids saw it, I felt another AND it was bad. I became ashamed

AT SOME POINT

My mom took it over, spoke with my dad, & shortly after that, new shoes visited with me. I gave it no further thought. Now looking back & not so much in the moment of the past-time, I was always hungry too meaning I didn't or wasn't getting enough to eat. You eat if you have & if you don't, well you don't!

PARENTS WITH FIVE CHILDREN

In my early 20's, I became painfully aware that my siblings were going through the same thing with some exceptions. How painful to know of that. I remember my first job, the paycheck, & how I not only gave mom money, but went & bought my fill of food & whatever. I had an answer for my want & needs. It worked (literally)

NOW TO THE EFFECTS of POVERTY

It contributed to my low-self-esteem & a feeling of never being good enough & accompanying fear (s) too. I couldn't stop eating either. Mind you, I became aware of not only my ignorance, but that of my parents. The cure? Get a job to do something about it.  Unworthiness made it harder to do but any job can be done

POVERTY IS A GREAT MOTIVATOR

When looking for work, you take what you find & like it. Why? You need the money. At some point, you start ladder climbing which is the going & the getting of a better job, more money, closer to home & perhaps something you like to do

LONLINESS JOINS IN

So, in addition to learning as I go, trial & error, & living life as presented, you become aware of a personal need & want i.e. the company of another to go through life with. A steady date. A helpmate too. Maybe start a family?

MARRIAGE FOR ME WAS ANOTHER MOTIVATOR

Now, no longer lonely, but still ignorant & naive, the short-term purpose was crystal clear i.e. get a good job, settle down, & live a life DIFFERENT that the one I was raised in. Now, my wife & I were in charge of our well-being, & quality of life. I also glimpsed on how hard it was for my parents too. Your turn reveals that & more. However, youth cures quite a few problems. Mine held up & did just fine

THE KIDS MADE ME WORK EVEN HARDER

My newlywed wife & I had a good life but now, with her pregnancy, we wanted & needed more & I got to the business of getting it for our children's sake & wellness remembering how poor I was growing up.  None of that for them! Never them!

INCLUDE YOURSELF READER in case you have not already

Everybody I met or ran into wanted everything I wanted as well & you learn from them on what to do & NOT do as you go about your doing. It is well to mention the greatness of this country that allows for change & prosperity with growth. 

THE SYSTEM WE ENTER INTO

The pursuit of a car or two, purchasing a home, clothes, travel, extra money, paying taxes & finding a good school/neighborhood all kicks in automatically. It works if you do. It wasn't until I had a few successes (& losses) that I wanted a college ed.

THE SYSTEM KEEPS GOING

Fascinating this system called the American dream really is. Everyone is either on it, has lived it or is in pursuit of it. Having traveled on it, I understand how important it is to everyone including our great country. Here's a reminder for you

ALL THINGS ARE POSSBILE

They are also doable plus there are many ways to get it done too. Enjoy the opportunity, realize that eventually you will have what you worked for AND even a little luck or charity (love) will visit with you to give hope & encouragement. You will meet all your needs & the next step is to enjoy the fruits of the journey. Relax a bit

I CAME IN POOR

I blame no one. I have no regrets. My past came & went. It is now my turn to seize the day or not. Poverty in spirit & flesh laid claim to me on arrival. I waived them bye-bye & journeyed without them, richer for the journey & experience. Wishing the same to you

Comments(6)

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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Richie,
What a thought-provoking and inspiring post! Your journey reminds us that while circumstances may shape our beginnings, they don't have to define our destinations. I wish more people realized that, like you, they have the power to take control of their lives, even when the odds seem stacked against them. It's not about what happens to us but how we use that experience to move forward with determination and vision.

Thank you for sharing your testament to resilience and growth. It’s a message we all need to hear!

Dec 13, 2024 03:07 AM
Richard (richie) Alan Naggar

You continue to remain a woman of depth & purpose thank you Carol Williams ...who makes a very good ELF

Dec 13, 2024 06:46 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I cannot say it better than Carol Williams did. Very insightful post!

Dec 13, 2024 04:47 AM
Richard (richie) Alan Naggar

You are always welcomed kitty Kat Palmiotti ...

Dec 13, 2024 06:44 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Richie. You have a way with words that leaves me in awe. Your journey definitely made you a betterment. Enjoy your day.

Dec 13, 2024 05:03 AM
Richard (richie) Alan Naggar

How pleasant for me to have  you over Wayne Martin ....thank you

Dec 13, 2024 06:43 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Richie,

I'm so glad that Carol Williams featured your post in her Saturday series as I missed it. I was also in awe of your inspiring journey. I feel strongly circumstances may shape our beginnings, they don't have to define our destinations!

Dec 14, 2024 07:48 AM
Richard (richie) Alan Naggar

Dorie Dillard Austin TX ...you have touched on something in your decent commenting for me i.e. everyone has a life story unique to them, but we ALL have one. I enjoy it when I hear another's tale of life. Good for all

Dec 14, 2024 11:06 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

What a powerful story and a dose of reality.  My Swedish grandparents lived in 2 cabins in NW WI. There was an outhouse, 2 seater, wood burning stove that heated the living cabin and a oil burner for the bedrooms cabin.  I remember sharing my vacations and trips to the family farm and other children were astounded though some though it was really "neat."

My grandmother often reminded me of her life in Sweden where my grandparents were feudal tenants raising 4 children before they immigrated to America. Even some may think their situation in WI was "poor" my grandmother saw it as "rich."

Dec 14, 2024 07:58 AM
Richard (richie) Alan Naggar

How meaningful & generous this commenting of yours Leanne Smith ...A place to stay, warmth of a fire, some food & people you love? God is good

Dec 14, 2024 11:05 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Richie Alan Naggar I really appreciate this post. I very recently wrote a friend who is super money focused and I explained to her how wrong that was and how it's warping her daughters view of the world. I know this because I was a rich kid who grew up with a very warped view of the poor. Thank God he showed me the truth, I was an idiot! My ministry today is to indigent prisoners.

Dec 15, 2024 05:05 PM
Richard (richie) Alan Naggar

It is well that the posting & you, Bob "RealMan" Timm met-up. The many are fooled, tricked & misled regarding earthly principles. BTW, I did jail counseling too. Carry on Bobby & thanks for coming by

Dec 16, 2024 06:23 AM