Everyone is struggling... Everyone you know is struggling... and anyone you know that isn't struggling knows at some point they will probably experience a struggle.
During the early days of the Global Recession (around 2008), I thought I was safe from being one of those so-called unlucky individuals to be struggling financially or simply trying to find a job in order to take care of their families. I really naively thought I wouldn't have to ever ask anyone for financial assistance or personal help. Well it's 2011, and whatever pride I thought I had that was keeping me from ever asking anyone for help went out the door really fast when in April 2011, I had to deal with the fact that I was having to decide between gas and food. Half way through April 2011, I simply did go some days without eating any food, and used whatever money I had to keep gas in my tank so I could go to work and school. I didn't tell my parents or anyone close to me that I was simply dead broke, and I know it was my pride and emotional instability that kept me from telling anyone.
Pride can sometimes make people so desperate that they refuse to even consider the possibility of asking people for help. They will wallow in self-pity, make illogical choices, and even turn to crime, just to keep people from knowing that they are in deep trouble. Sometimes people hold onto the thought that some information is too private to share, or people are worried others will look down upon them and think that they didn't make good financial decisions and that they have to pay for where they are. However, sometimes people forget that SH*T just happens, and that there is nothing wrong with asking for help even if you do have a good job and you do have a good income.
Lately, I've been thinking about "The Cinderella Man" with Russell Crowe & Renée Zellweger, its a movie based on the true life of James J. Braddock who during the Great Depression (1930's) suffered the kind of bone crushing financial woes that even some people today might very well be experiencing. He was a fighter both in the ring, for his family, and in his heart, and he found a way to overcome the odds to inspire a lot of people during that time, and did become a Heavyweight Champion in the process. And the people that helped him out during that time were paid back and encouraged through his ability never to give up. But James didn't fall into heavy depression, didn't let his pride tear him down, and wasn't afraid to ask for help so he could get back on his feet, and I think it helped that he has a strong woman in his corner. He did whatever he could do to do right by his family and the people around him. It's a great movie, and one of my favorites... but its also one of those movies that simply speak to my heart regarding courage, determination, will-power, and the human condition.
I know a lot of people are struggling in silence, and I know a lot of people are simply frustrated with having to wait to acquire certain aspects they believe will make their lives more comfortable and stable. But the one thing that I still hold onto in my life is that as long as I have a loving family, great friends, and people in my life that I love and care about... I don't need to hold onto my pride too hard when I'm struggling. As long as my integrity and my love of people is strong, I know people will always be in my corner. So, I shall continue to FIGHT the GOOD FIGHT!
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