Life Lessons : Being "poor", a valuable lesson ?

Montreal, Quebec
April 12, 2016 10:30pm CST
I will be the first to admit that I am considered to be "living below the poverty line". However, I still manage to get my bills payed, my rent paid, put food in my cupboards and clothes on my back and clothes on my daughter's back, BUT, in the eyes of the income tax people/government, I am considered lower than poor because of my annual income. Right now because of both physical and mental health problems, I am temporarily unable to work, and have to rely on social assistance. Don't feel bad for me, (and don't judge me either please), I am not embarassed, sad or mad about my situation. Don't judge me, I am NOT one of those mothers who takes social assistance for granted. I do not LIKE to be on social assistance, and look forward to a day in the hopefully near future when I can get off of it and have a full time job. Believe me, living check to check, month to month is NOT fun at all. On the flip side though, I actually I am quite content to be considered "poor". Now don't shake your head, its not because I like staying home and be "lazy" as people think of alot of people who live on social assistance. Because I am FAR from lazy. I am a single mom raising a 5 year old special needs daughter all on my own, while battling my own medical issues. As well as I make my own crafts which I sell to make a little extra money here and there. Not to mention trying hard to make something of my youtube channel, which believe me, is NOT easy. The reason I say I am content is because living with limited income has taught me alot. It has taught me to appreciate the things that I have. It has taught me to be frugal, and taught me how to really budget my money. It has taught me how to find things to do with my family n friends that doesn't require money for us to have fun. When I get some extra money, I actually appreciate whatever I splurge it on, I feel like its something I've earned, not something that I was owed or anything like that. My family and I are alot closer now that we find things to do without spending money, like playing cards, watching tv together, going to the park, etc. Before being on assistance, I used to spend money without thinking of the consequences, or without wondering where the next bit of money was coming from. I used to spend without thinking about anything except what I wanted. If I wanted something, and had the money, I went out and bought it, didn't think about things like "well if I buy this bag, then I won't have as much for food", etc. Now its the complete opposite. What about you guys ? Do you agree that you learn more in life by having less money or do you think you learn more by being rich ?
1 person likes this
1 response
• Chichester, England
13 Apr 16
Hi Chispa, Love your post and its content. I have a special needs grandson and realise how hard it is for my son and daughter financially with all the extra things needed for his care. Sounds as though you are doing an amazing job as Mum & Carer on a tight budget. My wife and I struggled financially many years ago when our children were young as I had a poorly paid job so lots of filling out complicated forms to get some housing benefit,etc. I always felt guilty receiving the benefits because I felt I was letting my family down by not being to bring home a good wage. Having said that My wife, boys and I had some great times, making things,recycling thing and generally seeing what we could enjoy doing for no cost. We are now financially better off and appreciate every bit of what we have because we went through those hard times. All the best to you and your daughter for the future
• Montreal, Quebec
14 Apr 16
thank you very much