I often stop by to talk to her, and every time she sees me she has a grin on her face and a little tear of joy.
This morning, I stopped by for a minute to say hello, and saw that she had put some red lipstick and pink blush.
I said to her, “you look pretty today”
“Sometimes I just want to feel good” she replied with a smile… and my heart smiled as well.
So, I ask myself:
What is wrong with the system?
How did we become so immune to people’s misery?
I am not a policy maker, so I don’t have an answer but I do know that health and education should be a right for every citizen. We should all be persistent on putting pressure on our elected leaders to learn to work together and find a solution. I know that it is going to take a while to improve the system, yet we must stay optimistic and vigilant.
Although I may not have the answers, I know that small gestures can make a big difference in peoples lives.
As a young entrepreneur, my first business venture folded as my life did as well. I did not have any money to pay for school, rent or food. I was evicted, left alone in the street, hungry, without a single penny in my pocket.
What kept me going? My pride.
My Pride, would not allow me to accept defeat or a call for help, even though many times I was ready to give up.
I was completely broke but I never lost hope. I kept my posture and my smile. I would speak in a loud confident voice and always dressed in clean and ironed clothing. I would talk about my ideas and did not show defeat. Slowly I got back on my feet and began building my business.
Most of the people who were never in that situation, see themselves as better people; they look down at homeless not understanding that it is so easy to follow that path and that the majority of the street-people are just looking for a crack in the door, an opportunity to begin again!
They are looking for a smile, a straight-look in the eye that conveys support, “you can do it!” They are human beings fighting to keep their own dignity.
We all should make a conscious effort to acknowledge them, to talk to them, to ask them questions and to learn their story. It is lonesome to be homeless, and just taking a few seconds to smile or to ask how someone's day is going, can make a big difference in his/her day.
Rememeber: sometimes we all just want to feel good!