When you have nothing….

December 30, 2010 in Personal Development with 11 Comments

Joanne and I were in Chicago last week for our annual pre-Christmas excursion.  The weather was bitter cold and the streets were bustling with the usual shoppers.  And as usual, the sidewalks had all too many people with quickly constructed cardboard signs who were hoping to capture the sympathy of passing shoppers.

I saw one sign that said:

Lost my Job

Lost my Home

Lost my Hope

Please Help

What’s the next step?  Is this really an inevitable sequence?  I was reading this morning about the inventions that are coming out of the slums of Nairobi, Kenya.  The tagline on the story said, “When you have nothing, anything is possible.” (AfriGadget)

This is a season for hope – not despair.  Hope or optimism is not about denying reality; it’s about seeing the possibilities for creating a better reality than you currently have.  Yes, I’ve always been accused of being a glass-half-full kind of guy because I really do believe that every problem brings with it the seed of a solution, and I believe that the search for a solution can itself be inspiring and hopeful.  If you lose hope, you will not be looking for solutions and will miss them even it they pass right in front of your nose.

More can be gained by focusing on those talents and gifts you know God has given you.  Focus on what you’re moving to, not what you’re moving from.  Circumstances beyond your control may lead to losing your job and maybe your home – but losing hope is a choice.  Remember, “When you have nothing, anything is possible.”

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  • http://www.joshbulloc.com Josh Bulloc

    I just saw a guy on the side of the road about 3 hours ago and he was holding a sign asking for help. It made me wonder what I would do if I was dropped somewhere with no money and nowhere to stay. I would go find a dirty job that many others are not willing to do just for some quick cast to take my next step.

    Josh Bulloc
    Kansas City, MO
    How can I help.

  • Jason Garey

    Wow, this a great story, Dan. My observation is that here in our country we expect the world from others – hence the entitlement mentality – but little of ourselves. Case in point, the creative energies coming out of real poverty in Nairobi, where they’re not counting on the compassion of passersby or on government assistance. They know it’s up to them to make their own way and hopefully they recognize the Source of their gifts. Marketer Dan Kennedy always says that opportunity is all we really need. I agree. Happy New Year, my friend! :)

  • http://www.etsy.com/shop/AChildsDelight Deb Patterson

    I agree, Dan and Jason! I’m so sick of the entitlement mentality that is so pervasive in our country. If people believe that they are helpless, then they will live it out.

    I struggle financially at certain times of the year, and I am trying to pay off some debt. I do get down about it at times, but I try to maintain a creative and hopeful attitude.

    Generally, I start brainstorming and taking action. Around June 2010, I really needed some extra income. I began working my butt off to gain visibility for my shop on Etsy. I had opened this shop in 2008, but I never knew how to market it. So I devoured marketing articles, painted stuff to sell, took picture after picture and listed the items. Then I kept on doing that. It really paid off, and my customer base has steadily grown.

    I also tried tutoring for extra money this past year. I found that I loved the work, and it paid well.

    I could go on…the point is that if we use our God-given brains and talents combined with a little hard work, we will see results.

    Have a wonderful new year, and thanks for the great article!

    -Deb P.

  • Pam

    Thanks for the email and for the encouragement concerning the new year about to begin. I like the idea of making BIG plans and of setting lofty goals. I hope to make this a year of giving to others through volunteering both my time and talents to worthy causes. I’m also definitely open to a new job sometime during 2011. Sometimes I fall into bouts of self pity and think I am trapped where I am. I know better than that and will be taking the steps necessary during 2011 to making the changes in my life that I want and need. I wish you the best in the New Year and look forward to continuing receiving your newsletters! Thanks….

  • http://www.48days.com Dan Miller

    Yeah I’ve often thought I could be dropped off in any city in the country with nothing and be able to find something to generate income before the sun went down. But I have to be careful to recognize the unique challenges some people have. I really think it’s easy to find lots of new opportunities – but I know my perspective is slanted because of the successes I’ve had along the way.

  • Jason Garey

    That’s true, Dan. It’s sure important to be humble and grateful in all things and to be sensitive to others. Some days are wins, some are losses. Hopefully, in the end, I will help more than hurt.

  • JuliAnn Barcal

    I really like the statement “Losing hope is a choice.” I also like what you wrote earlier about being too cautious, which is something I need to keep a watch on. I’m a high C and my work is never good enough in my own mind.
    Happy New Year and thanks for all your wise counsel.

  • Tracy Duncan

    Thanks Dan for the story and the closing thought, “losing hope is a choice.” I think when people lose hope it’s simply that they have given up because they can no longer work a solution out for themselves. If our hopes do swing at the point of our best personal effort, then we miss out on the opportunity for a Sovereign Creator to meet us with the unexpected. If we trust that the El Shaddai really does have our best interests in mind and view, then maybe we can open ourselves to possibility. It might necessitate taking the opportunity/risk to ask for help from a stranger never knowing that the stranger may have just enough to get us started again. As we continue connecting, resources may be provided until we find ourselves sustained again. Prayerfully, the spiritual and the practical working together help us realize our hopes.

  • http://facebook.com Shana Roach

    There are far to many homeless people in this world, I once were in there shoes. If & When I become financialy wealthy I will have built “HOMELESS SHELTERS” until then all I have to offer is PRAYER & lots of hope & Love. MY HEART GOES OUT TO EACH & EVERYONE OF YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU THIS NEW YEAR with adaquit shelter, warmth, food, clothing,cleanliness,good health,good fortune & good spirits. Amen..

  • John Timmer

    In the last 6 years I have lost a son, a job, and am losing hope for real joy in my life again. I am happily married which has saved my life. I am desperately in need of direction at this time in my life. I always feel so close to a business idea but for some reason I shoot myself down.
    Help!

  • http://www.48Days.net Dan Miller

    John, Often times the things that cause us pain in life also wake up our strongest talents. Keep track of your business ideas for 30 days – then narrow down to 3-4 that fit you well, do a little more research, chose the best one and ACT.