My story, your story, your family’s story, friends' stories, even the people you don’t know- we all have a story. Ever find that interesting? I want to specifically speak in behalf of Manhattan, although this can easily be a problem occurring everywhere else. What I noticed was the amount of people I saw in need of help, whether it was money, food, or even addictions or lifestyle. I always wondered, why? How? When I see these people, I always just want to ask them what their story is, because everyone has a story.
Generally, no one thinks about this. How does one get to a point of either absolute destruction of themselves or in need of help from strangers because they have no one left to help them that they know? Something drastic had to occur in their lives. Now we judge these people, many of times as if we have never had a low point during our fabulous years living, ourselves. Now, it may not have been as low, but doesn't that make you wonder what happened? Relate to these people in a sense of knowing what it is like to feel down, to feel as if you are at the bottom. Just try not to get to that point! Don’t you ever just feel the need to want to help them at least sometimes? Now many people in the city have become used to seeing people like this and do not trust anyone or help them. That’s just selfish. Yes, you cannot change the whole world on your own, that is true, but you can help. If you're going to be selfish and not want to give at least something small to someone once in a while, change your perspective around. You can still be selfish yet giving at the same time. How is this possible? You might think to yourself it is not, but in fact, it is. Give to someone who at least gives you the perception of being in need. This will not only help them, but in a strange way you are helping yourself too. It can create this great feeling, peace of mind, and the thought that you may have just made someone’s day...or maybe they used it for the wrong thing. Who knows?!
The big picture is you will never know. So as long as you think you are helping someone, you are helping yourself along the process as well. If you really fear your money not being used correctly, then use it differently! Find out what they need. If it is food or anything else which is a necessity, go to the store and buy it, or even better, get a gift card and bring it back! More than likely, they will not have moved from their spot. This way, you assure how your money is being used, and don’t feel as if it is going to the wrong things such as drugs etc… For most of my life, although it has not been many years, I have come to the conclusion which is, most people start off well. Yes, people change, different experiences happen in different individuals' lives, but we should at least consider their stories. The one no one really knows about. So try to be the best person you can be, and if you feel you are in a comfortable state of living, helping someone out who has way less then you once in awhile will not damage your wallet and that I can promise.
