by Mark and Janet Schlarbaum ~ March 28, 2010
By Jeremy P Stanfords
Article reviewed by Janet Schlarbaum
Poverty has been defined as being “like a punishment for a crime you didn’t commit.” Millions of children in need around the world are being punished every day – and their only “crime” was being born into poverty. Despite a world that seems to hang on every word that falls from the lips of the top names on the Fortune 500 list, the truth is there are millions of children in need who know nothing of the bright lights and affluent lifestyles of the rich and famous. Their only concern is surviving each day as it comes.
Fourteen million American children are hungry or at risk of hunger – that’s 30 percent of the population. These statistics prove that child poverty isn’t just a problem in the developing world; it’s a problem on our own shores, too. Yet child poverty in the United States could be alleviated for $45 billion, according to the National Center for Children in Poverty. Although that sounds like a huge amount of money, it is in fact less than the amount of money given in annual tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans during the 1980s and ’90s.
According to UNICEF, well over 650 million children worldwide live in extreme poverty, and those numbers are on the rise. Poverty is defined as a lack of access to basic education, adequate health care and a healthy diet. These three fundamental needs affect the rest of children’s lives, define what kind of jobs they end up with, whether they’ll be strong enough or have sufficient access to health care to fight off even the most common illnesses, and how they develop physically and mentally. Going hungry isn’t just a short-term problem – it leads to health care problems in the future, too.
The National Center for Children in Poverty reports that just $1 spent on childhood immunization saves the country $10 in later health costs. And with health provision becoming a major concern for every American, anything that can be done to prevent the situation from deteriorating further has to be the right thing to do.
Children in need who grow up in poverty pay a heavy price throughout their lives. Research has shown that they suffer from more illnesses, perform poorly in school, and have more risk of succumbing to mental health problems, drug dependency or falling into crime and the penal system. Yes, there are success stories, but they are few and far between in comparison to the millions of untold stories about the truth about children in poverty.
Communities that are free of poverty are free to choose their own destinies. But communities blighted by poverty, whether caused by famine, a lack of jobs or the failure of the state to support its most needy citizens, don’t have that freedom. Their destiny is preordained, and is a self-fulfilling prophecy that is almost impossible to break. Communities blighted by war are possibly the worst hit, with the innocent always suffering the greatest consequences.
Mohandas Ghandi, political and spiritual leader in India, said, “If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.” It is this battle that is the most crucial if we are to win the war on child poverty.
It isn’t just a matter of injecting cash into the poorest communities; there needs to be a fundamental change at ground level in how we tackle child poverty. If we concentrate on supporting those who are most vulnerable to the effects of poverty, the cycle can be broken and a change for the better can take hold. Much of this work is taken on by local churches, who see the Bible’s principles of loving thy neighbor as among the strongest weapons in the fight against child poverty. By encouraging one another to support and care for children in need, that community spirit can find fertile ground upon which to grow and flourish.
Child poverty is unacceptable, it’s destructive, and it’s an issue that should concern every single American. But most important, it can be changed. With compassion, care and a practical approach that tackles the root causes, child poverty can be consigned to the history books and no longer be a specter that haunts the modern age.
by Mark and Janet Schlarbaum ~ March 27, 2010
By Parikshit Sharma
Article recommended by Janet Schlarbaum
Poverty has been one of the important issues in the world economy from decades, and we are still searching for a way to solve this problem. We have to find a way to remove this problem from the world and as a citizen or people of this world it is our responsibility to take a step forward to remove poverty.
Poverty the word defines itself as being poor from wealth and health. I won’t define it here as something, which has been defined before. Therefore, I am putting it simple here as being poor.
As most of the countries are independent and developed still poverty exists, it has been a question from a long time for the world. What are the causes and what can be done to remove poverty? From many decades economists and social activists are thinking over the answer to this question and some efforts have been taken to do the needful.
There are many organizations (I won’t write any name here) which are working on this concerned issue but there is only a small variation. These organizations have given unimaginable funds to the countries in which poverty is the main barrier in the way of development.
What can be the reasons when the countries are getting funds to remove poverty, and still it exists? Is there any other issue, which is overtaking it? Are we taking it seriously? Can it be corruption or commissions? Is the fund being used for the right thing?
There are many questions of these kinds; they come in mind every time when I think about poverty. I still have the answer to one question which the title of this article. Removing poverty a mission impossible? And my answer is “.No it is possible.”
It is time when we, the people, the spectators get together and take a step towards betterment of mankind by keeping aside our differences and raising our voice against the barriers which are coming in between removing poverty.
We, the people of the world can make a big difference if we stop ignoring and together solve this issue. It’s never too late to take a stand for a good cause; this is our time to remove poverty from the world economy.
by Mark and Janet Schlarbaum ~ June 1, 2009
Suggested by: Janet Schlarbaum
By Jeanie Marshall
Definition number 1 of “poverty” in the American Heritage Dictionary is: “The state of being poor; lack of the means of providing material needs or comforts.” It is further defined as “deficiency in amount; scantiness; unproductiveness; infertility.”
By “poverty consciousness” I mean the set of attitudes and beliefs and feelings and values associated with material lack or fear of material lack. Poverty consciousness equals a belief in limitation, and almost always includes fear.
Poverty consciousness is not directly related to the amount of money one has. Rather, it is the relationship to that money or to material possessions. If you worry about not having enough money, you are in poverty consciousness. If you believe there is not enough for everyone in the world, you operate from poverty consciousness.
One can live in conditions of poverty without necessarily living in poverty consciousness, which is a state of mind and heart. The amount of money or other material possessions is a matter of fact. One’s relationship to that amount is a matter of thoughts and feelings.
Different Means; Similar Consciousness
Years ago, I had two personal empowerment sessions back-to-back with individuals of strikingly different financial means. The first one asked me probing questions about decisions he wanted to make with respect to stocks and his upcoming retirement from a major corporation. The second, desperate to generate $35 to pay his part of the electric bill, asked me probing questions about his uncertain situation.
I worked with both men in essentially the same way. I looked at the energy field in and around their thoughts and feelings. I assessed how they were creating a reality of poverty consciousness energized by their fears. The one of greater financial means became calmer as he embraced a shift in consciousness. The one of lesser financial means became calmer as he embraced a shift in consciousness.
The dollar amounts were different. The fear was the same. Probably each would have envied the other! As each man understood more fully how he had thought and felt his way in to his particular situation, he was better prepared to think and feel his way out.
Another Definition
Let’s return to the American Heritage dictionary, where there is a fourth definition of poverty that warrants discussion: “Renunciation made by a member of a religious order of the right to own property.”
Perhaps few readers of this article are presently in religious orders that require vows of poverty. However, the history of civilization is filled with such vows. For those of you who believe that it is possible to inherit traits from your ancestors, consider the impact of past vows of poverty passed through the genes. For those of you who believe that it is possible to be influenced by beliefs of others, consider the impact of past vows of poverty modeled in behavior. For those of you who believe in past lives, consider the impact of past vows of poverty on future lives. For those of you who believe in the existence of an energy field, consider how it might be polluted by such vows of limitation.
You can probably find some part of your belief system that tells you that vows of poverty made in the past can impact you and others now. As Individuals, in groups, and as the whole of humanity, we are touched by others.
A Matter of Faith
Ending poverty consciousness is a matter of faith. We all have faith, even though there are many who claim they have none. The question is not whether or not you have faith, but rather, in what you place your faith. Do you place your faith in money? In yourself? In lack? In history? In the future? In the visible? In the invisible?
When the visible elements of our experience are tumbling, we must redirect our faith, our energy, and our intention. The physical world is a temporary reality. It is time to open our awareness more to the worlds beyond this one. Higher consciousness is becoming more available to the human plane. You will want to stay alert so you do not to miss this adventure!
We are living in an exciting time. A time when we will prove that poverty and poverty consciousness are obsolete. A time when we will know, without a doubt, that we live in an abundant universe, a universe waiting to fulfill our every need.
This article has focused on poverty and poverty consciousness as related to material things. Keep in mind, though, that the same principles apply to other aspects of our lives. Some persons feel poverty or poverty consciousness about themselves. “Low self esteem” is one of the popular terms. It is a belief in lack, lack of one’s talents or abilities, not having enough of what is wanted.
A Few Ideas to End Poverty Consciousness
* Watch your language! Make sure that what follows “I” or “I am” is what you want to manifest. If you say “I am poor,” the Universe will answer you with its only response: yes!
* Say, think, and/or write empowering affirmations. (For example, “I rescind old vows of poverty and limitation.” Or, “I accept the gifts of the Universe.”)
* Bless all those who owe you money. Pray for their prosperity. When they pay you, thank them and thank the Source, the Higher Power.
* Bless all those to whom you owe money. Pray for their prosperity. When you pay them, thank them and thank the Source, the Higher Power.
* Recognize that money is a means of exchange. Stop giving your power away to money. Claim your own power from within, follow your passion, and the required means will be at your disposal.
* Focus on what you desire, not on what you do not desire. That to which you give your attention expands. If you give your attention to scarcity, scarcity expands; if you give your attention to abundance, abundance expands.
Now is the Time
Now is the only time we really have. We may believe that “as soon as …… happens” we will be free of poverty consciousness. We may dream that “when I win the lottery, I will do all those things I want to do.” The truth is, we do not need to wait for any conditions to change in order to be conscious of abundance. Now is the time. Here is the place.
Janet Schlarbaum Poverty
by Mark and Janet Schlarbaum ~ April 4, 2009
Author Michael Trigg
Useful information from Janet Schlarbaum
It is possible to capture a glimpse into the future when we look into the faces of children. The environment in which children live is nurturing this world’s future generations. Adults today have to ask themselves the question – is our environment shaping children into become caring, productive, and globally aware citizens?
Are the wealthy countries really doing enough for the children worldwide? Are the governments of the poorer countries doing enough for their children? Are there better ways to provide support and assistance, particularly for those children with mental and physical disabilities lacking in social safety nets?
There is a huge need for funding support for children in need in impoverished areas of the world, regardless of class, ethnicity, culture, religion or nationality. There are many definitions of special needs. In the “well off” countries of the Western world such as Canada, the United States, England or Australia, a special needs child might be autistic, have physical limitations, suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome, be a victim of sexual abuse, or face other challenges. In the “global south” (otherwise known as the ‘Third World’), such as many parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America, you can add the horrors of malnutrition, homelessness, sexual slavery and sweat shop laboring to these children’s lives. Many of these children are without parents due to civil wars, HIV/AIDS, or were just abandoned by their parents. Most face threats to their basic human rights and live in squalor and fear.
The destiny of all countries and all people on our planet Earth depend on the support, care, development and safety of children. When we attend to the physical, intellectual, and moral growth of our children, we give them the skills, values, opportunities, and confidence necessary to succeed as adults, earners, parents, citizens, and leaders.
There are many children’s foundations in the world today. Some focus on reducing the misery of poverty and hunger. Others address the gaps in education, health care, and shelter that many children face. All are doing their part to provide help and assistance to needy children. Sadly however, there are always more needy children than there are helping hands. There is every reason to believe that many of the needy children in the poorest countries will not live to reach adulthood. Many of these children have physical disabilities, giving them a zero chance of survival in environments suited only for the survival of the fittest.
In Western countries, we take for granted that our governments will provide adequate health services as well as wheelchair ramps, handrails and accessible public transport. For most Westerners, the ready availability of equipment such as crutches and wheelchairs, low entry buses and taxicabs are taken for granted.
Posted by Janet Schlarbaum
by Mark and Janet Schlarbaum ~ April 1, 2009
By Azeez Olawale-Arish Yusuff
Unlike the developed Economies, African economy continues to record tremendous growth in their Gross Domestic Products, Foreign Direct Investments, Per Capital Incomes, Foreign Reserves and Surplus Balance of Payment Accounts. Nigerian Economy is a typical example.
Yes, Nigerian Economy has recorded fantastic economic growth and development in the last few years. No doubt, it is a place where investment grows exponentially, huge market for developed, developing and under-developed economies, despite the negative reports about the country in the western media and her World ranking(108 in the world).
According to The Punch Newspaper, May 13, 2008, the Secretary General, International Telecommunications Union, Dr. Hamadoun Toure, in Cairo, Egypt noted that contrary to what many people think about the country, Foreign Direct Investments had the potential to achieve great return in the country, particularly in the Telecommunication, Information Technology fields. He also advised the global investors in attendance of Nigerian Investors Forum at the International Telecommunication Union TELECOM AFRICA, to discountenance negative reports about the country in the western media, stating that most of them were meant to deceive investors from making profit from the fastest growing telecoms market in Africa. He submits,
“If there are security problems in Nigeria, no businessman would go to the country to explore opportunities, companies like Celtel, MTN, Etisalat, would not have ventured into security risk country to do business. Those who spread rumours about security and corruption problems in Nigeria are saying so to stop others from making money in the country. Figures don’t lie. They are the biggest testimonies for how conducive Nigeria’s environment for business and opportunities are. If you want to do business in Africa and record good returns on your investment, I welcome you to come to Nigeria. The political environment in Africa, particularly in Nigeria is tremendous”.
In the same vain, the Head of Research, Africa and the Middle East, International Consilium, Mr. Gordon Smith described Nigeria as the most dynamic market in Africa. He said that Nigeria was still under severe pressure from some countries in Africa to serve as a cushion against the effects of global turbulence. He also noted that some countries like Ghana, Malawi, Mauritius, among others were depending on Nigeria at the moment due to global risk exposure and that the country’s economy, led by the consolidated banks, was far from being affected by the global credit crisis currently rocking the world’s financial giants.
According to him, foreign investors, who will be patient enough to weigh the Nigerian financial system on the credit risk perspective relative to global events, will find the nation’s financial sector more interesting to invest and raise capital from. He posits:
“What is happening currently with the Nigerian financial system is far from being affected in any way by the global credit crisis. At global level currently, the banks are under-capitalised, but Nigerian banks are over-capitalised. And I do not think this is a problem at all. I believe that Nigerian banks are under pressure from other economies within Africa continent that are affected by the credit challenges”, the Punch Newspaper, June 30th, 2008 reported.”
Despite these laudable achievements and developments, it is sad to say that millions of Nigerians are still living in extreme poverty and hunger. It is also worth-noting that the country is presently witnessing series of strikes, high unemployment rate,decayed infrastructures and so on. To substantiate my point, I will quickly submit the Economic Commission on Africa’s Annual report which posit,
“African economies continued to sustain the growth momentum of previous years, recording an overall real GDP growth rate of 5.8 per cent in 2007. Although 30 countries recorded higher economic growth rate in 2007 than in2006….., economic growth recovery in Africa has not yet translated into meaningful social development and has not benefited vulnerable groups”
Instead of designing people-oriented programmes that will generate jobs for their teeming population, translate into other economic benefits and improve the lives of people with their excess foreign reserves, the African government, most especially Nigeria, are busy collecting loans, grants and other forms of credits for misappropriation and embezzlement, all in the names of community-based projects, poverty alleviation and National Economic Empowerment Development Strategies. The truth is that, Nigerian governments have succeeded in aggravating poverty instead of alleviating it. I would like you to challenge me by visiting Nigeria to see how extreme poverty and hunger is comfortably living in almost every home.
In support of my argument, I will like to refer to the Punch Newspaper, March 2,2008, in an article titled “Impact of FDI on lives of Nigerians. Mr. Oscaline Onwuemenyi wrote:
“But all the sustained growth has done little to improve the living condition of most Nigerians. About half of the population is still living on US $1 a day or less and the distribution of wealth remains unequal and exclusive. Experts say the challenges for the administration of President Umar Musa Yar’Adua will be to translate the improvement in the economy into jobs and higher general living standards.”
I must confess at this junction that my intention is not to portray Nigerian government as a total failure, but to represent objectively the real situations every Nigerian is facing. However, it is worth-mentioning that the Nigerian situation is a good example of what is obtainable elsewhere in Africa.
Thus, I will suggest that African government and leaders should diversify the economy by using their excess reserves to develop other sectors, create jobs and establish community-based projects that will have evidenced impact on the lives of the vulnerable groups.
Besides, the government should stop collecting loans and other forms of credits that will endanger the lives of people, generations yet unborn and the economy at large.
by Mark and Janet Schlarbaum ~ March 11, 2009
Submitted by: Janet Schlarbaum
By Kim Petit
It is easy to believe that technology has helped everyone. We live such comfortable lives, after all. We really benefit from an almost remarkable level of abundance and convenience. Even middle and working class people tend to have plenty to eat, good sources of transportation, and a wide variety of recreational activities that are not available in a lot of the world. We work longer hours than we used to, but we still do have plenty of recreation time to unwind.
Once you look at world hunger statistics, however, it becomes clear that all is not so rosy . In much of the world, poverty is a daily reality. Even hunger in America is a problem. This was shocking to me the first time I learned this. I had a teacher who had us study world hunger. He wanted us to be aware not only of our neighborhood, our state, and our country, but of our entire extended world community. Before he showed us an article, he asked what we thought about world hunger statistics. I was confident in my reply. I told him that, except for a few isolated areas, I believed that we had wiped out hunger and poverty in the world. Boy, was I in for a shock when I read the world hunger statistics!
The really scary thing was how easily I slipped back into a state of everything as usual, even after I was alerted to the reality of world hunger statistics. We like to think that we care about our fellow man, but when we look at our actions on the whole, it is quite clear that we don’t. It is so easy to forget about world poverty statistics, to go on living a life of affluence as if nothing is wrong. I am as guilty as anyone.
A few years later, however, I became so frustrated with my own apathy that I knew that the time for action was at hand. I decided to join a group to end world hunger. A friend of mine laughed at my naïve idealism. He also was familiar with the world hunger statistics, and he argued that it would not be as easy as I thought to end poverty. He knew that economic factors were complex, and felt that there was no easy solution.
I realize his arguments are valid, but I think it is even more important to realize that the world hunger statistics demand immediate action by all of us. If everyone was dedicated to ending world hunger, a solution could be found!
by Mark and Janet Schlarbaum ~ February 11, 2009
By: Alan Hawkins
The most probable reason poverty exists, is insufficient work opportunities in combination with a lack of basic education and skills training, or is it?
In Africa, drought is labled as the most common cause of poverty, assisted often by a war here and there, a touch of genocide or the self enrichment of a political dictator and his merry men. Poverty is the scourge of Africa, it knows no boundaries and to quote Mr Jacob Zuma, it knows no colour.
During a recent television report it was stated that five children per day die in South Africa from malnutrition and that the incidence of abandoned babies has increased by one-third, shocking statistics from one of the wealthiest economies in Africa, one can only imagine the true extent of this problem.
Poverty cannot be categorised as another legacy of apartheid and simply swept under the carpet, it is not unique to those countries with a history of racism or other human rights atrocities. Poverty is a human catastrophe and growing, the upward trend of food and power prices, the implications of both global warming and the increase in the price of oil are all factors ensuring this trend remains.
The question is whether poverty is an unavoidable phenomenon or is it an unintentional creation of society. Our leaders talk glibly of job creation, particularly during election speeches, often seen cutting ribbon in front of the cameras at some local self-help project, this is not nearly enough to reverse a trend.
Go back a few years to the cement and brick industries and you will recall hundreds and thousands of workers on building sites throughout the country, loading cement and throwing bricks around manually, this whole workforce has been replaced by automatic palletisation systems. The motor industry and many employment sectors have become more and more automated. I know a farmer who, after being absolutely frustrated by theft and continual difficulties with his labour force, has installed as many automated systems as he is able in order to reduce his reliance on physical labour. On the sports field, a few years ago unskilled and uneducated labour was used as caddies or bag carriers, these employment opportunities have been substantially reduced in most cases and replaced by pull-carts and golf cars with some golf courses banning caddies from their environs completely.
The above mentioned employment sectors were largely forced to reduce employment opportunities as a result of either efficiency or economic factors, in simple terms labour became either too expensive with cheaper and more productive alternatives. It would be dangerous to hazard a guess at the number of jobs lost to the population as a result. When this situation is considered in parallel with the lower cost of production in some of our supplier countries, China and our textile industry as an example, we have mounting evidence to support the probability that poverty is exacerbated by our own actions, including the action of those first to complain about being unemployed.
To the unemployable masses in Africa, the core lack of education and skills development must surely contribute significantly to a poor economic environment and the resultant lack of employment opportunity. Until the standard of educational opportunity is addressed significantly, this situation will compound itself in perpetuity, as appears to be the case.
Is this avoidable, the answer must surely be yes. An immediate short term solution comes with obvious difficulties, the catch-22 position where to fund schools and qualified teachers an economy needs to be in good condition, a difficult state to reach in the midst of problems of poverty. The long term solution must however be addressed urgently by our leader group, politicians, church and traditional leaders. It is their bounden duty, even though only in office for a short while, to publicly commit to immediately addressing this issue with a long term objective. The effect of fraud, poor administrative and financial practice by our leaders in public office, if quantified and re-presented as the number of teacher appointments that this mismanagement could have funded, would be frightening.
Considering the problem from a job creation viewpoint, the labour leaders and organisations need to re-look their relationship with industry, strive to develop an atmosphere of consultancy and cooperation, rather than confrontation and demand. Job creation, even at the risk of lower wages, must remain high on any negotiation agenda; this needs the support of Government in all aspects, including reducing administrative employee related requirements for small business.
Poverty relief through improvements in the education infrastructure is not someone else’s problem, it is ours as responsible persons who supposedly care for the future of Africa, consider this next time you elect the person to represent your ward.
The alleviation of poverty will undoubtedly have immediate social benefits to all South Africans, the improvement of our economy, less financial commitment to hand-outs, a reduction in the crime rate. Our generation, in South Africa and also the wealthier countries, need to take immediate meaningful action to reverse the trend.
From Janet Schlarbaum
by Mark and Janet Schlarbaum ~ January 11, 2009
By: Michael A. Verdicchio
The cause of poverty is not a lack of money. Does that statement shock you? It’s true. A lack of money may be an effect of poverty, but it is not the cause of poverty.
The cause of poverty is poverty thinking. Poverty comes from poverty beliefs and poverty attitudes; it comes from a poverty mindset.
Here’s another statement that might shake you. Not having money does not mean you’re impoverished. Let me explain. Suppose your checkbook gets all the way to zero. You are flat broke now. But, being flat broke now does not mean that you will be flat broke permanently. It absolutely does not guarantee that you will forever stay flat broke.
There are countless millionaires who at one time or another were flat broke. Why didn’t they stay flat broke? Some have even confessed going broke a number of times. A lack of money is not the issue. What’s in your mind is the issue.
Have you ever asked someone who is indeed in poverty why they are in that state? They will tell you exactly why. They will give you one poverty-minded statement after another. They will point out every lack that they have. They come from a poor family. They lack education. Good jobs are hard to come by these days. The price of everything today is too high. They never get a decent break like a lot of people do. The government doesn’t really care about them enough.
They have ingrained these thoughts into their minds and hearts. They have allowed that kind of thinking to actually take root in their heart, and become their belief system.
What we choose to believe is what we will manifest in our lives. This universal law works with accuracy and precision no matter who the person is and no matter what the circumstances are.
I have visited a number of foreign countries. It is just amazing to me how anyone in the United States can stay in poverty. There is so much wealth, abundance and opportunity in the United States that it staggers the mind.
Now just above the poverty line there are those who are just struggling to get by. Many of them are working very hard to make ends meet each month. Some work two and three jobs. They are labeled as the “lower middle class.” They may put forth a great effort, but they still seem to get nowhere except just above the poverty line. They will stay there because that’s what they choose to believe.
Life is not just luck or fate. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Are we to believe that some people are just blessed with a better life than others? Does the Creator show more favor on some but less on others? No!
Once you identify and accept that you are in a certain category in life and you really believe that in your heart, that is where you will stay. It really makes no difference where you are today. Whether you qualify as in poverty, just above poverty, lower middle class or middle class, none of those descriptions really mean anything unless you continue to accept them as true for your life.
The point is, where you are today is a result of your own belief system. Wherever you are today in life is a direct result of what you have decided to believe.
If you can accept that truth, you can change your circumstances because you recognize what very few ever recognize. The power to change your life is in your brain. The thoughts that you consistently entertain will form your own personal belief system.
Change your life and your circumstances by changing your thoughts, hour by hour and day by day. Fill your mind with thoughts of where you want to go, not where you are today.
You may not be in poverty, but, are you where you really desire to be in your life? If not, why not? Do you need to change your thoughts to form a new belief system?
Get honest with yourself and really examine your thoughts. A good indication of your thoughts is what comes out of your mouth.
You can change your life and your circumstance by changing your belief system. And you can change your belief system by changing your thinking, one thought at a time.
Thanks to Janet Schlarbaum
by Mark and Janet Schlarbaum ~ December 13, 2008
Posted by: Janet Schlarbaum
By Michael Oksa
Poverty, in the sense of poorness, comes in many forms. Some are quite specific to geography, occupation, spirituality, or even recreation, to name a few. On the other hand, some forms of poverty are more general. Identifying your current state of ‘wealth’ or ‘poverty’ in these areas is a vital step to success. In other words, knowing where you are will help you determine how much you have to do.
What are these three areas that make up this poverty triangle? It has been said that people are either time poor, people poor, or money poor. That statement has enough merit to look at each of the three.
Time Poor
Everybody is allotted the exact same amount of time every day. People only differ in what they do with that time. Where many tend to go wrong in this area is in over-estimating how much time is left to complete something, and under-estimating how long it will take. It’s a common mistake. How would you rate yourself?
One way to overcome this time deficit is to develop the habit of being on time, or even early when possible. Of course, being early can mean waiting longer for someone else. You can combat this down-time by having something to work on; catching up on reading, writing down ideas, or making a few phone calls. If you are lacking in this area, start developing the habit of promptness.
People Poor
Family and friends are supposed to be a priority, sadly for some people this is not so. The pursuit of the almighty dollar stays at the forefront, while personal relationships suffer. It’s okay to strive for more income to provide the things you and your family want. Yes, that may require long hours and hard work, but it’s important to maintain balance. Are there relationships in your life that need some improving? Or, are things going great?
Here are a few thoughts on improving a people poor situation. Schedule time to spend in your most important relationships. When you are spending time with family and friends, enjoy it. This doesn’t mean you have to participate in planned activities or vacations, instead try laughing together, talking together, or just being in the presence of one another.
Money Poor
This can be a tough one. The credit card companies make it tempting and easy to go into debt. Advertising whets our appetite for keeping up with our neighbors. We can feel deprived when we don’t get the things we think we deserve. It seems to be a vicious cycle. Taking an honest look at your situation is the only way to know where you are.
People who are money poor are often quick to begrudge those who are wealthy. Nevermind that most people who are wealthy have earned it fair and square. This poor attitude contributes greatly to money poorness. Changing attitudes about money can be hard, even if you are a normal person, with a normal job, and a normal paycheck. However, to help change your attitude try this exercise: whenever you hear someone making a comment about the financially well-off being greedy, dishonest, or lucky – do your best to politely express the contrary view. Why would you let someone speak badly of something you hold dear?
by Mark and Janet Schlarbaum ~ October 19, 2008
Suggested by: Janet Schlarbaum
By Jared Lee
Malnutrition is the main cause of death in many underdeveloped countries where poverty is highly prevalent. It is not only poverty and impoverishment that can lead to malnutrition. Even well-off people who are ignorant about eating well can suffer due to malnutrition. According to Canada’s Food Guide, meaning of eating well is “a healthy eating pattern that supports the best possible growth and development and also helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases”.
Therefore, the best idea is to look for options and alternatives which allow us to eat healthily on a low budget.
• Use the food pyramid to plan out what meals to cook for your family.
• Insist that the family eats at home and avoids eating out.
• Prepare 3 wholesome meals including breakfast and ensure that you include fruits and vegetables liberally in your meals and also provide it as a snack.
Always choose foods you prepare from the bottom of the food pyramid because they are more economical, filling and less fattening. For instance, choose high fiber cereals and bread, go for green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and increased servings of fruit juices. You must also opt for low fat milk, cheese and yoghurt. For proteins, eat beans and peas or eggs. In fact peas are an excellent source of vitamin-B (except B12), vitamin-A, vitamin-C, vitamin-E, zinc, iron, and soluble fiber. If you must eat non-vegetarian items, you can even use meat or fish as a source of protein but try to stick to lean meat and trim off the fat from the meat. Use oil sparingly and learn to eat a plain toast instead of one with butter dripping from it.