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25% vs. the 75%

"Sometimes it’s hard to be grateful for the basic things in life, like waking up in your own bed, having a roof over your head, and having a choice of what food to eat — but these things shouldn’t be taken for granted. With those things alone, you’re richer than 75% per cent of the world. Really take that in for a moment. Despite your struggle, and by nature of being able to read this article, you are in a better position than 75% of the world." --Alex Heery

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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nightsmusic said…
I'm grateful every morning that my feet hit the ground with a roof over my head. I've probably walked in your younger shoes, or close to them so I will be forever grateful for where I am in life and what I have. I appreciate it all more than most would ever understand.
January 27, 2021 at 8:51 AM
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