Are they really helpless people?




For the past few months, I have had weekly English classes because the community has consistently asked me to do teach them. However, I have noticed a common mentality and attitude among them and really, most of the people in my community that is one of the biggest challenges here. That is, many believe that they cannot do anything to change their situation, are completely helpless, and will always be poor.  I understand it is actually an issue for any person that faces poverty in the world and is difficult to overcome this type of mental block.

Though I have had more opportunities in my life than most here in my community, I can relate to those who feel like they are helpless.  When I was younger, there were times when my family struggled and I was told “no,” many times,  by my parents because we did not have money. After awhile and so many "no's," I remember feeling as if there were things in life that were not meant for me because my family does not have money. For example, I felt that I do not deserve to go to college, live in a nice house, or I will always have little money. I too was stuck in this mentality that I am helpless and I am meant to live without nice things. But what changed my state of mind was when I found my support network of friends and family who were encouraging, as well as, surrounding myself with people who have a similar mentality that the impossible is possible! If I believe that I can do it, anything can happen. For me, it has been a personal journey to build my confidence and believe that I am worthy of anything as long as I believe I can do  it. I'd like to know if others have ever felt this way as well and what did you do to overcome this type of thinking? I really would like to share some strategies with them.

Now that it has been a year in my site, I understand better that the roots for some of the challenges I face in my community are due to not having that someone who is there to be encouraging. I hope that I can be that person to inspire another here that it is possible to leave poverty as long as they have confidence in themselves. I have shared that meditating each day really helps to focus their minds on the positive. What other techniques do you use to stay positive?

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