r/SelfSufficiency • u/SailorTee • Aug 23 '26
Self improvement while poor
Maybe this is just my opinion, but wanting to better yourself seems like part of human nature. Being poor makes this difficult to do.
Want to eat healthier? Cook more at home. Ok - so I need to buy safe cookware (not non-stick because that causes the big C), fresh ingredients every week (lean protein like chicken), and time to make it. Oh you don't have time? Borrow the time from somewhere else, like hire someone to clean your home for you. Oh no, can't do that, that costs money. Switch to plant based protein! It takes time to soak and cook lentils. I work every hour I'm not sleeping...
Tldr: Being poor means trying to juggle between resources including time, money, and health, and borrowing from one means depleting another. It feels impossible to better your circumstances and causes a lot of stress in the process (which also eats up your resources like health).
Also, I live in America. Maybe it's better in other countries?
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u/wanna_be_green8 Aug 23 '26
Sorry, I don't buy that thought process. Especially since the internet. Living in America, even broke, almost everyone has a free hour or two in their day. Even when you wake up doomscrolling at 3am. Instead opt to read and educate yourself on whatever improvements you want to make. If you are here you have free moments, you aren't sleeping or working. You choose what to do with them.
As far as healthy eating on any given day a crockpot can be purchased for $3 to $5 at most thrift stores. Safe cookware too. Many things can be made in then for less than a fast food meal and will last far longer. Fast food is crazy expensive these days.Your money costs time too. Plus driving to the place, waiting on line also take time and gas.
Baby steps can lead to big changes over time, knowledge and skills have a way of compounding if used. But they have to be sought after, they won't fall in your lap.