Have you ever thought about the thin divide that separates us from those around us? I’m talking about those little differentiators that include our physical and mental health, opportunities, wealth, social status and life experiences.
In my mind these are the micro nuances that divide the haves from the have nots of our society. And in my estimation sometimes by the sheerest of margins.
Irrespective of where you are in the world we are all living on the edge between living a full and fulfilling life and those barely surviving…
Seemingly this thin divide continues to grow. Many of our children are no longer able to imagine a life without scarcity. Owning their own home or getting out from underneath huge student debt are remote for many of them, but also the increased mental strain associated exacerbates the situation.
My childhood was centred in poverty, and I know from first-hand experience that nothing is guaranteed, including food and shelter or protection from those looking to take advantage. I also realized that I had to find a way out of the cycle of poverty that had haunted my family for generations.
My dad instilled upon me an appreciation for hard work and stick-to-it-ivness that would help me navigate across the thin divide. I realize that in many ways we can create our own good fortune, but you also need some other aspects of our life to fall your way to be able to step across that chasm.
As I think back – how easily it could it be me living on the streets or stuck in a cycle of poorly paying jobs and scraping to make ends meet. Pretty darn easy I’d say.
Decisions, circumstance, history, opportunity? Possibly all of the above.
I knew deep down from an early age that I had to escape the perpetual cycle of poverty and create my own destiny. Although only a teenager at the time I felt suffocated and knew the only way out was by my own means.
My rebellious side chose to stay at school and use education as a way out. This was met with significant resistance from my family and characterized as a “bloody waste of time”. Not many families would actively discourage their kids from staying in school to get an education, but I lived in a far different time and place than where we are today.
Nope, I was taking a different path to cross the thin divide, and although I didn’t know it at the time, deep down I knew I would be okay. Even then I had faith that I could find a way across the thin divide.
That path has been circuitous to say the least, spanning two continents with many different jobs, professions, experiences and adventures over the course of my life.
With each experience I gained a little something to further my journey, and my path forward.
I suppose in many respects it comes back to believing in yourself and working toward what you desire in life. All well and good but you do need some aspects of life to go your way in terms of opportunities and making smart, well informed decisions.
Sometimes it only takes a helping hand from someone to get that break that you require to change the entire soundtrack of our life, thus enabling an opportunity to cross the thin divide.
I’m a big believer in helping others and nurturing relationships to provide support to those around you, irrespective of whether there are personal gains or not. Your helping hand may be the difference maker for someone in their lives.
I also understand in the fullness of my life that where you begin in life, does not dictate your journey or outcomes.
For me it’s never been about the money or title, it’s about the experiences and quality of the life I live and share with those that I love.
I realize that no two people are the same, nor are their motivations or passions but I know that my life is exactly where it’s supposed to be and thank my lucky stars each and every day for the incredibly full and adventurous life I get to live.
Taking responsibility and being accountable for your life is yours and yours alone. However, we also have to remember that you can’t do it alone and that if you really want to cross the thin divide, you’re going to need people in your life helping and supporting you.
Zach and Sam haven’t had to struggle as I did during my childhood, but I hope that I’ve provided them with the level of understanding and support required for them to see how close that thin divide is. And that they have the ability to change the lives of others with their actions.
In essence, raising good two human beings with the level of compassion, empathy and resourcefulness to help others in their journey.
This topic is another great opportunity to self-reflect on your own personal journey, and all of the people who have helped you along the way, and indeed the people you have provided a helping hand to without consideration for something in return.
Until next week.
Ciao!
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