More than money

"Today the greatest single source of wealth is between your ears." - Brian Tracy

It is commonly believed that to be successful, one needs money and power. This may be true, but even the richest or most powerful people in the world started somewhere. Very few are born into the cushy lifestyle that they live. This site lists numerous celebrities that had a rough start. One of the celebrities listed is Oprah Winfrey. Everyone knows that Oprah hosted the Oprah Winfrey show for many years and that she is one of the richest and powerful women in television. What many may not know is that Oprah was born in a poverty stricken town in Mississippi to two teenage parents. She was sexually abused by a family member and she had some very unhealthy outlets to deal with her pain. Oprah overcame these adversities to become what she is today. To be successful, one does not need money. It takes hard work, dedication, and intelligence. 

Another, lesser example of creativity and wit being shown by the less fortunate comes in the form of homeless people begging for money. I came across a website that shows the top ten most creative homeless signs.  One sign says "Betcha can't hit me with a quarter". The humor and creativity is enough to get most people to comply. Another sign says "Why lie!! I need a cold beer." This is also clever because most people suspect that the homeless will just take the money they collect to buy alcohol or drugs. My dad grew up right outside of Baltimore, MD. In his young adult life, he worked for the American Rescue Workers and he was a pastor. He often interacted with the homeless, and to this day he still tells me how intelligent and creative the homeless are. He says that they can weave the most elaborate stories to try to coax people into giving them a dollar or loose change. This reminds me of the stone soup story. If they can make people believe their story, they will be able to make money. It may not be much, but it keeps them alive. If these people were given the opportunity, I am confident that many of them could be very successful. However, often they are not given this chance.

I am not the only one who believes this. There is an organization in Austin, Texas that works to get the homeless back on their feet. Art from the Streets was founded by artists in the Austin area who wish to see the homeless have a chance, financially and socially. Not only do the artists create pieces for the annual art show, but they also give free drawing and painting lessons to the homeless twice a week. The homeless who attend the classes not only gain art skills but social skills as well. At the annual art show they are able to sell their work. Many have made enough money to be able to rent a place, at least temporarily. Some of the art can be found of the website. http://artfromthestreets.com/ 

In the end, success is not measured by wealth. Fame might be, but success takes more depth. It is about doing the best with what you are given, not ever giving up, and pushing through difficult times because often our tribulations are what teach the most. A positive attitude can be the most important part of success. 

"Happiness can be found in even the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light." -- Albus Dumbledore