Last night I went to hear Jeannette Walls speak. I didn't know what to expect. It was at a country club down the street from me that I didn't even know existed. There were 300 people there; mostly women with a few men sprinkled in to the crowd. I was with some type A personalities so we were able to sit in the second row and have some decent wine as we waited.
I have to say that it was a great talk and I found myself grabbing a pen and taking notes so I can capture it here:
My fantasy was always that a rich kid would read my story and as a result be nicer to the poor kids in the class. I had a girl tell me that while she was on vacation in the Bahamas (laughter), she read my book and it made her realize how fortunate she was and how some of the girls who don't dress well may just not have the means to do so. I feel like my fantasy became a reality.
I learned not to underestimate people's ability to offer something and I am now on a campaign to have people tell their stories. Even if it's just coming to terms with your own story - just for yourself. We tell our stories so people can see how similar we are -- maybe we can actually learn something from it without having to live through the pain of it? At the end, life is what you choose to make it as you shape it and choose to see it.
There are as many reasons for homelessness and you can't put all the circumstances in one box. My mom told me that things work out in the end. And when I asked her what if they don't, she told me "then you're not at the end yet."
People don't want charity. They want to help themselves. If you allow them to feel they can contribute, they will more likely accept your help.
We are all strong. I just had the opportunity of having a really crappy childhood to prove it.
When someone told me about Outward Bound, I thought that rich people have to pay for their hardship. They didn't have to face the adversity in their day-to-day life and learn how to navigate the obstacles.
Don't forget that you have the power to overcome adversity, even if you have to pay for it!!!
Don't ever apologize for your scars. It just shows that you survived. We all have texture, which makes you strong and unique.
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