Most people raised in the United States strive to avoid poverty. We work 50-60 hours a week, save, read investment advice and often place value on people based on their financial status. I grew up in a small town close to the Canadian boarder. On a world wide scale I wouldnt call my hometown impoverished, but on a national scale it distinctly falls far below the national average income levels. My aunt calls my hometown the armpit of the nation because of the harsh environment which has plagued economic development since it was first settled in the late 1600s. The long dark winters are a breeding ground for depression. Despite the economic and climatic challenges, I like to visit often because I like to reaffirm my value system. Most of my friends in my hometown struggle to survive and yet they are happy most of the time. Here are a few things Ive observed about their life. I call these the gifts of poverty.

1.Simplicity. When you dont have much money, your choices are fewer. It creates a simpler lifestyle and less anxiety. Researchers say the human mind gets overwhelmed by too many multiple choices. Lets say you drive an old junker car and it breaks down. You decide whether to take the bus for awhile, or how youll go about fixing your old car. You dont have the option of thinking about which of the many new models of cars and trucks you are going to buy. And therefore you make a decision and dont waste any time ruminating over an impossible obstacle.

2.Empathy. People who struggle or suffer loss of any kind are far more likely to empathize with others. Most of my childhood friends who stayed in my hometown may not have fat bank accounts, but when someone has a fund raiser for a member of the community whos in need, the whole town shows up and gives generously. As a kid, I was expected to help shovel sidewalks for senior citizens, give up my bus seat to adults and help my community. I learned everyone can have difficult times but it doesnt mean that person is any less valuable to the community.

3.Community and Creativity. When you dont have much money, companionship becomes a great treasure. You learn to work within your community. Since your not spending so much time at work or shopping, you have time for friends. You learn how to throw together a quick potluck dinner. You also learn everyone has something to give and find your own gifts within the spectrum. Money losses its value. If someone acts with kindness you can cook them a meal or bring them vegetables from your garden, but most people are insulted when you try to give them money.

4.Time and Friendship. Some people are poor because they cannot find fulltime work, or cannot handle fulltime work. This gives them much more free time. If they do not have money to waste on retail items, they have more time to spend on meaningful activities such as time with friends and family, time outdoors, or time being creative.

5.The Value of Money. Despite overwhelming odds, I learned how to use and appreciate everything money could do for me–how to save, live on next to nothing and how to make a wise investments. I put myself through college and learned to carefully evaluate my purchases and therefore value my possessions. At the same time, I know nothing is more important than life and at a certain level my material possessions mean nothing to me. Its my experience of life and those who share my journey that are important.

These lessons of poverty served me well though out my lifetime. Ive always been able to live on less than what I make, and I enjoy my life. Im grateful that I know people are always more important than possessions. I like the options that money can buy and Im glad Im no longer poor, but I will always be grateful I wasnt raised with a silver spoon or in a culture that values net worth more than the worth of a soul.

To view Kate’s article 10 ways to feel better right now, please visit http://www.kategarvey.myarbonne.com For free pet care tips or to purchase a pet care book please visit Pet Care Resouce Center of America, http://www.PetCareRCA.com Kate provides writing services for business and individuals http://www.kategarvey.net Kate is the author of 3 non-fiction books and more than 40 non-fiction articles.