There are times when you see the homeless person on the street, or a beggar in front of your shopping center, when your thoughts jump out and say “get a job, already!” But you really don’t know the circumstances that put those people in that position, nor do you know their obstacles in life. It is not in your judgments of these people but in your actions toward them.
Did you ever consider that the economic times in New Jersey are the reason why a person is homeless? In most instances, that thought will never cross your mind. You have a home and family, and probably an automobile. Your bills are paid by the job that you go to everyday. But what about that homeless person you just saw?
More than likely, there are family members involved. There may be a spouse and children that are hiding in those cardboard boxes that you see in the alleys. In the economic difficulties that are being faced in New Jersey and elsewhere, there are a lot of people that were displaced from their homes due to unemployment and foreclosure. In times such as these, it becomes a matter of who is greedy, and who is willing to share.
“There is no king who has not had a slave among his ancestors, and no slave who has not had a king among his.” – Helen Keller. In other words, Helen is saying that we are all the same. You could be that homeless person just as easily as they became homeless. You have to realize that in helping your fellow man, you also help yourself. This is the time in your life to re-evaluate your life, and how you give back to your world in general.
Life is not all about what you can buy or possess. Life is about living. Many people confuse material possessions with what actually makes them happy. “Many persons have the wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” – Helen Keller. Like Helen, you have to decide what is really important in your life. Is it the pursuit of material objects or what you do with your wealth and time?
The next time you see that homeless person, perhaps you will decide to spend some time volunteering at a shelter, or donate some your wealth for the benefit of others. We are all equal in this world. It is only our circumstances that differ.
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Dale Carnegie Training of Central & Southern New Jersey. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @CarnegieJersey.