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
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