Seeing a man on crutches every morning, swinging by on one leg while carrying merchandise for the day inspires me. Each time I see him, I learn to appreciate the little things that I have and train myself to brush aside all the pettiness and whining over the lack of minors. For me, he is a hero, a man deserving some reflection because our society has relegated disability to ‘right to beg’ and ‘self-pity’ where the able-bodied are meant to give them alms. Here is a fellow who carries about four units of buns and wears a vest seemingly to symbolise being an agent of one of the mobile phone service providers and walks a distance from where he stays to his business post. He has no time to feel sorry for himself or beg. He decided to join the income competition wagon just like everybody else and although I have no clue about how he is faring, I give him credit already.
Perhaps under a normal set-up, this man should not have been an issue at all. So what?—one may be tempted to ask. There are numerous beggars roaming the streets and even hounding customers at shopping spots for alms. Some will even recite pitiful poems of how they have not eaten for days on end alongside the baby on their back and many more at home. I am sure those living in cities can ascertain to the influx of beggars—men, women and children—stalking motorists for their change. This category comprises mainly the able-bodied. Then there is another category of the physically challenged that floods the streets exercising the art of begging and self-pity. Dare not protest, ignore or advise. They will shower insults at you as most tend to be hostile and bitter.
If only most of us borrowed a leaf from this man who does not waste time wallowing in misery. If only those begging emulated his simplicity and chose to rise above any obstacle. Poverty or disability would never have become an excuse to beg, but a tool to make a difference or changes if embraced positively.
What each one of us needs to know is that we all have problems or issues to deal with. The luxurious car, house, good job, happy marriage, happy face, well-dressing, mega shopping and any sign of wellness do not signify problem freedom. We all have our struggles and to assume that because one is walking or failing to have three meals in a day is a right to beg becomes a total fallacy.
Even for the so-called well-to-do, learning from this man on crutches is relevant. Positivity goes a long way in putting us all in check to appreciate whatever we have and work harder. Yes, we all dream big and mighty, but the first step towards success is living in the moment, appreciating what we already have rather than complaining. A change on the mindset is what we all need, not this dependency syndrome. For how long, really?
