Helping Those Who help Themselves.

Steem has the potential to help so many people and I feel that this is why we have so many charity projects on the blockchain. However, some of those that may be the most in need of what Steem can provide may not even be able to access the internet to be able to utilise Steem. Could this be why, when someone has an account on here and pleads poverty and for charity we are often suspicious before we come to trust them?

It's in our nature that we want to help others and this can easily be abused by the unscrupulous. So often what we offer instead is helping them to help themselves. This usually means less risk to us and from them it demonstrates a willingness to put what they themselves can into it.

”Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and he can feed himself and his family for a lifetime.”

^{A slight misquote on an old saying.}

The other day I felt like this quote could better fit some people if changed to:

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and he'll decide that's too much like hard work!”

This was something I vented a bit on to @mattclarke, because he helps me out with monthly delegations to newer users, a helping people to help themselves initiative. Also he has great way of putting things in a different light, usually in a way that makes me smile. His response was what was needed to keep me on track. Thanks Matt.

Possibly because I'm involved in these sorts of initiatives, I seem to be getting more people approaching me for help, but my way of helping is not to hand things on a platter, it's to help others to find their feet and help themselves. When people accept this offer and make the most of it, they do well; often better than me, if they have more time to put into the platform. Unfortunately, some just want the platter handed to them and once that gift is all gone, then there is nothing left. Then they come back and all why they still aren't successful.

The accounts I choose to support on Steem are those who also help themselves to be helped. Even better, it's the ones who use what they gain from Steem to help those who can't necessarily access Steem. @schoolforsdg4, @littledisciples and @gloriouskids are good examples of accounts from people who don't have it easy themselves, yet are in a position to help those even less fortunate and they do that too.

Steem offers an opportunity for people to help themselves. It opens a door which we've never had before and allows a direct flow of money into all countries which can access it. I don't think this is something to be taken for granted, but you have to ask, what can you add of value that will help others here to want to support you?

I realise that there is very much a consumerism value mindset in all things related to currency. The most successful people in online social media are often depicting their lavish lifestyle and when you don't have that, you can start to think that you have nothing to offer that others want to see. Yet here is where you need to think outside the box. Online, you are showcasing to the entire world, so you are going to have a unique perspective that most of the world doesn't have. While those who live around you may see what you experience as boring and normal, there are millions more who won't.

A really good example to follow is @phoenixwren. He certainly doesn't live a lavish lifestyle to show off online. He loves nature, and gardening, but lives in a city apartment. He's shared what he does experience and has persisted to reach the point he's at today on Steem. He might not have much, but he's generous with what he does have and has a desire to help those around him. This is why I have him on the autovote for this account. It's not much of a vote, but I know that he's not going to snub me for trying, even so.

I hope that this might go someway towards explaining to anyone reading this and is wanting help here, but isn't getting it as much or as easily as hoped, why this might be. It takes time and effort to help yourself and you have to be willing to learn from and take on the advice of others.

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All Liquid funds from this post will go to @familyprotection, @gloriouskids, @littledisciples and @schoolforsdg4 in the form of @steembasicincome shares or donations.

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Artwork by @svitlaangel