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Every one of us has a hurtful story that he/she would like to forget if at all- not to even want to think about. Particularly, if the story has something to do with some form of difficulty in our childhood. More so if the sadness was caused by moments of poverty or lack sometime back in our early upbringing. The mere thought that an upbringing in harsh poverty conditions was attributed to parental negligence, is sad enough.
“Storytelling is an ancient human art. People’s stories about their own
experiences and those of their families and communities provide vivid
insights into their lives. Of particular interest to us, their narratives
track in detail their upward and downward trajectories, the rising and falling
that has brought them to their present position in life.” - Deepa Narayan-2
At the memorial service of our lost our loved ones, we often recites the kind words of the deceased in our speeches. This bereavement scenario proves just how impactful are the words of those who are no longer around us. It is what you said as you were leaving left that will always remain with those left behind in case that they will never see you.
Brands marketing executives fully understand the power of stories and have figuratively used these in their advertising campaign to engage and resonate with their audience. As Douglas A. Ready said;
“Great stories create a rich visual imagery in our minds, and great storytellers invite us to walk the landscape that is created by this imagery.” -1
Pioneering brands understand that personal stories engage the audience because of their relative authenticity and transparency.
Agreeably, we may have experienced the effect of poverty moderately while to some the extreme scars may still evidently flicker once in a while in our memories. To some of us, a slight reflection on any past bad experiences can trigger real-time emotions feelings of helplessness, anger, rage, annoyance, aggression, stress, abuse, violence, bad temper, madness, despair and indignation.
Unfortunately, we often chose to bury these emotional stories which could be meaningful enough to make a whole world of sense to those who may believe that poverty was meant to only happen to them.
However, a struggle story shared with sincerity of heart can help shape decision-making choices and behaviours of millions of people living at the bottom of pyramid.
The reality is that thousands of poverty-stricken children are left destitute and orphaned and misses real-life conversations with a concerned soul. Thousands goes to bed not only on empty stomach but empty conversations.
For an instance, in many child- headed homes where the only words of a bedridden parent is nothing but frequent audible coughs, it is these conversation gaps worth filling with words for any empathetic individual. Remember this,- anyone who is deprived love, support and positive reinforcement harbours deep feeling of bitterness, hate, revenge, vengeance, discouragement, frustration or zero empathy all which can often lead to total apathy and suicidal thoughts.
Like brands, we have to constantly brainstorm ways to engage those with emotions of self-pity, worthlessness, vulnerability, weak-willed, submissiveness, despair, apathy, anxiety, passivity and hopelessness. Our vocabulary should be filled with words that can transform their hopeless reality to hopeful world of possibilities.
You will be surprised just how a few sentences of motivation or compliment can help shape the future aspirations, esteem and behaviour of those that you are attempting to reach out to with empathy.
It is often just what you mumble that someone needs to hear. It is just what you are not saying that exactly needs to be heard. It is our mortal duty to leave no words unheard.
Our charitable intentions should supersede any benevolence and philanthropy acts we have done thus far but instead be accompanied by stories which support our cause of actions.
The poor cannot leave by bread alone but with every word that proceed out of your mouth. As you offer your charitable kindness, are you just handing parcels with a pitiful face filled with tears?
Think of this, if anyone from impoverished surroundings can stand in front of you today, what would you say to him/her? What’s your story? Do you have anything to share at all about how you have acquired success amidst your poverty background? Lastly, don’t just give handouts but say-it-loud-out. Share your story.
To share your story visit our facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Povertystories/1439377913041581?fref=ts
