To help fight poverty, the mindset of the general population must also be changed. Poverty affects everyone in some way. We live in a nation where a person’s skin color and socioeconomic status matters and there is little empathy for other people. We all see positive outcomes when our government invests in jobs and policies to increase wages and families economic securities. With level playing fields, we have the power to overcome adversity and grow our resolve or determination. Our mindset plays a critical role in how we cope with life’s challenges. It’s our way of thinking and our opinions.
I had to tackle the shackles of poverty by changing my mindset. My responsibility was to get out of poverty and remain out of poverty. During the civil rights movement, activists were beaten, jailed and lost their lives fighting for equal rights. Since then, many laws were implemented and changed to guarantee civil rights to all citizens. Overt discrimination changed to covert discrimination. This form of biased discrimination is disguised in society and many people are affected by these passive actions. Some people may need to change their mindset regarding covert discrimination. Regardless of other people, I had to stay focused on my goals.
A poverty mindset is a belief system that a person cannot rise above their current situation. A poverty mentality limits your success. Both attitudes lead to fear or refusal to invest in an abundance mentality. We are not limited by current or past situations. We live in the land of plenty and an abundance mentality is a belief that there is enough for everyone if we put forth the effort to achieve. We have the power to prevail over poverty by changing our mindset!
Based on my research, there are various organizations devoted to fighting poverty. In spite of best efforts, the needle has not moved much. Government policies, procedures and programs plays a vital role in mitigating poverty across the nation but this is not enough! We the people are responsible for holding the powerful accountable. We must elect people who are not afraid to be a voice for the poor, implement programs, and revise policies and practices that keep people trapped in the clutches of poverty. There must be oversight of these programs and policies. It is not enough to have the programs without accountability. Poverty is rooted in injustices. People in elected office serve the people and we have the power to claim our human rights. People who favor oppressing people of lower socio-economic status should conduct a self -inventory and change their mindsets.
Poverty has different meanings. From an economic standpoint, it may be defined as not having enough income to meet basic needs. It is a state or condition in which a person or community lacks the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living. Poverty stricken people and families might go without proper housing, clean water, healthy food, resources, and medical attention. A life of dignity and opportunity is a human right. Government leaders should ensure all people have work with fair wages, access to education and healthcare. We must transition from a poverty mentality to an abundance mentality by being informed and exercising our right to vote. When we change our mindset, we also use our voice and ballots to fight for our human rights!
Poverty may also be defined as chronic and debilitating conditions that results from risk factors and affects the mind, body and spirit. The root causes may be individual or systemic. Individual causes may be attributed to behavior and life choices. Systemic causes are beyond the individual’s control. We’ve all been through difficult times and will continue to go through difficult times. We are responsible for how we respond to life. Every choice has a cost and consequence and both are tied to an outcome. We have the power to conquer individual causes of poverty by changing our mindset.
Government programs are necessary; however they cannot solve poverty alone. We have a personal responsibility to improve our lives. I believe too many people are living a scarcity or poverty mentality. This mentality is a belief that there is a lack of joy in life and limited opportunities. A person may feel fear, depression or anxiety. Today’s society places too much value on material things. We all have wants and needs but must keep them in perspective. There is so much more to life than buying things we don’t need. When a person feels anxious or depressed, they may resort to “retail therapy”. This senseless shopping boosts the economy and it thrives based on our overspending. An abundance mentality releases the stress and anxieties within your mind.
A person can have wealth and still be poor. People may be successful in life but impoverished in their soul. There is an unfulfilled void in their spirit. Poverty and negative thinking can be a deep deprivation in well-being. Acceptance is a key to happiness and peace is a state of tranquility. Change requires courage because it is a big step into the unknown. We must develop coping skills to conquer our fears and seek help if necessary. We are born to feel various emotions. Allow yourself time to feel the emotions, process what you’re feeling, and move forward. Don’t wallow in self-pity. Positive thinking is a necessary step in succeeding in life.
We are responsible for our free actions. Changing our mindset from a poverty mentality to an abundance mentality is a free action. There are many ways to change your mindset. The first step is to be open to change. One person may have a greater degree of happiness than another person because they have more capacity for happiness. Take a self-inventory and practice self-affirmations. You may be surprised what you discover. Recognize you have value and talents and don’t let poverty get in the way of your feeling of self-worth. You are worthy!
In my journey through poverty, I learned to focus on the present and enjoyed life. I grew up in poverty in a happy home filled with faith and laughter. Our parents were nurturing and provided loving guidance. We heard encouraging uplifting words and had hope for a better life. I held on to this hope. I learned that it’s always not about “why”, it’s what was I going to do to change my circumstances. What you believe determines how you behave. I believed that I would escape the clutches of poverty but I had to take action.
As I got older, my actions led to pathways to success. Society thought they had shamed me but I held my head up and strutted in abundance. I learned to tell my face that I was happy by my smile. I learned to tell my soul I was happy by my laughter. I decluttered the trash that was living rent free in my mind and created space to receive blessings. I discovered my purpose. I learned I had a responsibility to build on the tireless work of my ancestors so I could walk in freedom and good health. I now have a responsibility to share what I learned with others. I learned I had the power to change my mindset and I did! You have the same power!
“If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.”-Abraham Maslow