I believe that with a changed mindset and behavior, we have a different and healthier perspective. These are crucial steps in prevailing over poverty. My siblings and I lived in poverty throughout our childhood and prevailed. Our parents had standards for their home and believed in good moral character. They taught us about having faith in God, provided us with a nurturing home and encouraged us. We had challenges in life and learned how to not let the challenges determine how we lived our lives. We lived in poverty but didn’t have a poverty mentality. There are too many people struggling emotionally while living in poverty. Surviving poverty is near and dear to my heart. We have the power to survive and enjoy life!
My view of poverty is not only income deprivation but a failure to feel positive or hopeful about the future. We must have a spirit of optimism! While living in poverty, we enjoyed life and looked forward to an even better life. I shared in my blog that I planned my short and long term goals to get out of poverty as a child. The seeds for success were planted early and I watered those seeds until they grew into beautiful fruit. My goals included obtaining an education so I could have a career to get and remain out of poverty. To do this, I had to have an action plan, work my action plan, and be of good moral character. I was privileged to earn undergraduate degrees and a graduate degree. I was also privileged to enjoy working in two careers where I could have a positive impact and help make a difference. I made many mistakes along the way, learned from them, but didn’t give up. My parents were examples for my siblings and me and we were examples for our children. Life can be very hard but you have the power to change it for the better. As long as there is equal justice under the law, the path out of poverty starts with the individual. There must be a will or motivation to escape from the shackles of poverty.
As humans, we tend to get too comfortable in our lifestyles and fail to look to the future. While living in poverty, we cannot afford to lose the will or motivation to improve our circumstances. For many people, the future is lost in the daily struggle for survival and there seems to be no way out. A trapped helpless feeling creep up on the person and grows. Unhealthy behaviors and unhealthy eating habits develop. Depression, anxiety, alcohol and other drug abuse provide temporary comfort and eventually becomes a lifestyle. Health problems develop and persist because of failure to take care of the body, mind and spirit. Sometimes, individuals help set the trap by not changing negative behavior, outlook or associations. The opportunities within their reach are not seen. People look for the open door but fail to see the open window. The downward spiral of poverty continues. We have the power to change our individual situation.
Based on research studies I read, poverty is harmful to children during the early years of life. Learning and academic performance may be disrupted. Some children may have lower cognitive and academic readiness and perform at a slower pace throughout their school years. These children may be more likely to repeat grades, passed from grade to grade unprepared, be suspended or expelled, or drop out of school. People living in poverty can prepare their children for success if they believe it is possible. My mother completed third grade and my father dropped out in the eleventh grade. They had to help support their family. As adults, neither was able to obtain gainful employment. They wanted a better future for their children and made the necessary sacrifices. We lived in shacks without indoor plumbing or electricity. In earlier years, we rode on a school bus approximately thirty two miles round trip to attend segregated schools. We were expected to be respectful, pay attention and learn. After school, there were no excuses for not completing our homework. When it got dark, we sat by a coal oil or kerosene lamp and continued our studies. We all graduated from high school, went to trade school or college or served in the military and gained the necessary skills to obtain gainful employment. Our parents believed in us and we believed in ourselves.
Children from poorer households may suffer from chronic health and emotional conditions due to environmental factors, unstable living conditions, stress, food insecurities, lack of transportation, and unhealthy eating habits. Many parents do not have the resources to provide the appropriate care for their children. It is possible that poverty generate stress on the entire family. Other factor such as substance abuse may make parents vulnerable, abusive or neglectful. The effects of living in poverty can persist into adulthood and linked to poor health and higher rates of mortality. Living with chronic stress can lead to emotional problems and persist as an adult. We all have a role in preparing children for success. The next generation of children depends on us!
There are many people who got out of poverty but not many articles are written about how they broke the shackles. My siblings and I grew up in poverty in the segregated south. We were subjected to racist Jim Crow laws. We lived in various shacks until I was nearly fifteen years old. Afterwards, we moved to a housing project. This was the first time we had electricity and indoor plumbing. Our parents reared us with faith, love, encouragement and guidance. They taught us not to have a poverty mentality or mindset. They were the example for us to be productive citizens. We did not succumb to the perils of poverty.
I shared my truth and journey out of poverty in blog format in an effort to help others break the shackles. We have to help each other.
We can prevail over generational challenges!