I came across this in one of the articles that I've been reading for some character-building research. I'm trying to refine a protagonist who is in desperate straits and must make some very tough decisions. I haven't really related to her yet on an emotional level. Yet it was this quote from the article that reminded me of the time in my life when I was in my early twenties, struggling to get by, and definitely not in the 25%.
I'm not going to depress you with details, but I know only too well what it's like to be young and cash-strapped and too proud to ask for help, and yet to be so desperately in need of it. I felt terribly ashamed. I grew up poor, so I knew how to get by, but it seemed like I would never be able to escape that desperation. It's odd that I didn't remember my own experiences when I was puzzling over how to write this character. Maybe it was so traumatic for me that I tend to block it all out.
Not being able to afford what everyone else took for granted forced me to learn how to economize and do without, but there were a few very bad times when I actually thought I wouldn't make it and I'd end up living under a bridge -- literally. I had no idea what would happen to me. Emotionally speaking it was so much worse than anything I struggle with now, even the physical issues. While my struggles were very different from what my character is experiencing, I think the emotions have to be very similar, so I think I've found some common ground.
Anyway, today I will find a way to show some gratitude for where I am versus where I've been.
What are you grateful for today?
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