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Michael G. Rayel asked:


I feel sad when people blame everyone and everything except themselves when something terrible happens in their lives. I know a 30-year-old man who can’t pursue a career. He quits jobs as quickly as he changes clothes. Because of his perceived “misfortunes,” he accuses employers and co-workers of politicking, blames parents for being unsupportive, faults his neighborhood for “bad Luck,” and even chides his looks and genes for his desperate circumstances.

In reality, this man is considered lucky by normal standards. Despite his complaints, he finished a degree in an expensive private school and was raised in a middle class neighborhood by educated parents.

This man is making a junk out of his privileged status.

Compare this man to Starr (Estrella or Teeya). At age 60, she and her husband migrated to North America with little possession. When she came, she couldn’t afford a car and didn’t know how to drive so she had to walk looking for work — even in winter. To save money, she moved from one apartment to the next more affordable shelter. While everyone was asleep, she was working at a gas station.

After five years working two minimum wage jobs — as gas station attendant and hotel janitress (and occasionally, a baby-sitter) — Starr and her husband (who worked at 7 Eleven) had saved enough money to afford a small two-bedroom townhouse unit. Eventually, they managed to buy a new Hyundai and a rusty seven-year old Oldsmobile. Despite her meager income, she supported her nieces and nephews attain college degrees by sending hard earned dollar to her home country.

Like Starr, how can you optimize what you have and lead a life of comfort?

 

Acknowledge your limitations

Because of Starr’s age and unaccredited education, she realized that she had to accept a minimum wage job.



 

Know your strength

Starr knew that if she worked hard and be frugal — her two positive traits — she could attain her goals. She focused on her strengths rather than on her weaknesses and limitations.

 

Count your blessings and be thankful

Starr never failed to enjoy what she had. She was always thankful for her job, family, house, and friends. She socialized with close friends and danced cha-cha and tango with her husband on free weeknights.

 

Instead of blame, find solutions to problems

Starr never blamed her age, her education, and her immigrant status for her low-income jobs. For her, it was already a blessing to have a job. The salary was just a bonus.

 

Don’t complain about your circumstance

Starr never complained that she had to walk to her work. Also, she never whined for not getting enough sleep to maintain two jobs. She just loved what she did.

 

Work hard with joy in your heart

Starr enjoyed every minute of her work. According to her co-workers, she greeted customers and went to work enthusiastically.

 

Help others generously

Because of her generosity and kindness, she had helped her nephews and nieces financially and emotionally.

 

Have a strong faith

Starr communed with God and attended church and religious gatherings despite her busy schedule.

Starr optimized what she had. Everyday, she was thankful that God gave her two decent jobs, her own car, a comfortable townhouse unit, and a devoted husband. Through frugality, hard work, and strong faith, she had lived a full life and fulfilled her dream before she passed away.

Starr is now gone but her example will live forever. May God bless you, Mama Teeya!



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