Go Back Poverty Mentality Text copyright Jasmine Low Written August 2006 Poverty mentality. I learnt about this term from a friend who's constantly rich in positive thought and personal development. My family exercises this. My extended family too. My grandfather is the master of it. My mom continues the tradition. I recall now. Mom yelling and reminding me, 'Ah girl! Charity begins at home!'. My aunt, who has earned RM600 a month ever since 1992 as a nanny for a neighbour also practises it. Be happy with what you have. Don't ask for more. Is it so wrong to be so simple? Should we ask for more? Think poverty and think we're going to be happy living day by day and we will be happy living day by day. So long as there's chocolate, Astro and a steam fish and succulent pork ribs meal at a pink tablecloth restaurant every weekend. They're happy. I'm happy they're happy. I think of our imported street sweepers, ladies who clean toilets at highway stops, advertising agency tea-makers, drivers. Who says they're not happy? Do you ever talk to them? Do they think they're trapped in the poverty mindset? Cap your potential and you will always wear that cap over your head. But if you didn't think there'd be room for you outside of the poverty mindset, you'll be happy, wouldn't you? It's just like being happy with a bowl of hot steaming rice, black soy sauce, fried dace. No, protein is only for the aristocrats. We peasants are happy with our energy-giving 'carbos'. Unreleased and unpublished version (c) J Low. Plagiarising will give u callouses and bad breath. Copyright 2004-07. Send comments and feedback to girl_gungho@yahoo.com