‘You’re Poor,’
Someone said to my son after seeing our home recently.
We are not rich, however we are not poor.
We have come a long way from where we were 5 years ago, 10 years ago.
The days of having to sleep in a car, or on the couches of friends, because I had no money and nowhere to stay as a young man, are far behind me. I don’t have to dig into the back of seats looking for change, so that I can buy something to eat anymore. Now that was poor.
Yet look what I managed to give when I had nothing.
22, homeless, jobless and with no formal qualification other than a Black Belt, I created a Self-Control and Social Skills programme for children and teens called Warrior Kids. That programme is now acclaimed and has been changing lives for 27 years.
Having my first piece of writing published at 24, I went on to become an award-winning author.
This all led to me fronting audiences as an inspirational speaker.
That sounds like a rich life to me. Rich in giving.
‘It was easy for you,’ people tell me when they look at what I’ve achieved. It was never easy for me.
It was a constant struggle, and I wanted to give up so many times. I tried to give up. Turns out I was just too stubborn, and determined to see it through.
What we have to give is already within us. It’s not about money or how much we own. We just need to create the space, to express our internal wealth, in order to make a difference.
I recently heard of a woman who started a support group in her home for girls in her community. That’s cool.
With love
Tim
This article was first published on Facebook and Linkedin August 17, 2021.
Copyright© Tim Tipene, 2021.
