How do I get off welfare or social
assistance?
This is only the first in a series of
short lists on this topic.
Editor: If you want to
publish this column for a test run, I will flesh out the
following short version to 650 words first. Copyright
Andrea Reynolds. All rights reserved. Please do not
distribute or publish this column without the author's
written permission and without financial
compensation. See
a second sample column
on apologizing.
~~~~
Dear Andrea,
I've been on welfare
for three years. I'm sick of being a burden on society and
sick of being poor. I feel so beaten down I just don't know
how to break this cycle of poverty. Please tell me what to
do to rise above my financial situation.
"Wilma on Welfare"
Dear WOW,
Our self-esteem increases tremendously
when we can stand on our own two feet, and hold our heads
high, knowing we are independent and self-sufficient. Good
for you to want to take the first steps. Start with these
10 ideas, then come back for 10 more:
1. Educate
yourself. Find and
attend as many free public lectures as you can, through
libraries, museums, organizations. Be open to
possibilities.
2. Read books
on positive thinking and
entrepreneurship while you are at the public library in the
company of other learners. Enjoy the positive
environment.
3. Step away
from negative and sadistic
people. They'll only keep you down.
4. Keep up your physical
appearance without
spending money: grooming, hair, muscle tone, weight,
clothing. Take pride in and feel good about yourself.
5. If you can't find employment that
allows you to have a sense of pride in your work (most
minimum wage jobs don't) then start a business
at home.
6. Use your assets
to make money: take in a
boarder, hold a yard sale.
7. Sell your skills
(cooking), talents (singing),
or knowledge (sewing).
8. Start a support
group or buddy system
to brainstorm ways to achieve your goals.
9. Avoid high-fat, high-sodium (salt),
high cholesterol, high sugar foods. They'll make you feel
sluggish when what you actually need is physical and mental
energy.
10. Write down every accomplishment in
a daily
journal. Re-read them
weekly.
Readers, tell me how you'd answer
this: How do I stay motivated
when there are "dream-killers" in my life?
Andrea Reynolds is the author of
You're Smart... Why Aren't You Earning
Enough?. Send your
questions C/O (this newspaper) to Andrea
Reynolds,Visit her web
site: www.CrisisBrainstorm.com
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