On Privilege Poverty and Purposeful Profits

Cashed in on some frequent flier miles I’ve been saving for years. Hopped on a plane. First class. Flew over 20+ hours. Enjoyed the amenities. Movies. Slippers. Toothbrushes. Mouthwash. I don’t take this privilege for granted.

In fact, I collect the toothbrushes.

Toothbrushes bring smiles. It’s not just about oral health. It’s about taking sunshine to someone who can’t find one in their neck of the woods or doesn’t have the funds to buy it. It’s humbling.

I’m the traveling entrepreneur. I’ve got a stash of hotel combs, sewing kits, shampoos, lotions, soaps and shower gels from everywhere I go. I must travel light.

I constantly ask myself “what can I bring to show appreciation or open up dialogues with those I meet?” It’s the smallest things that can bring a smile.

In Myanmar I got a boulder-sized knot in my throat and held back tears as I walked away from a man who told me his story. He and his wife sleep in separate hostels. Their home was in the countryside but the opportunity for work resides in Yangon where they both work 14-15 hours a day. Inflation has made it impossible for them to get ahead. They meet for tea three times a week on a meager $300 USD a month between the two of them. I left them two peppermint tea bags and a small box of chocolates for their next date night. There are times one’s truth is so painful.

The taxi ride to the airport was uncomfortable– and awkwardly comforting as I’m confronted with such privilege. I’m hearing my Mother’s words of wisdom play back from my childhood. It plays over and over.

“To whom much is given, much is required.”

I’m alive and learning. I’m noticing the hundreds of men and women missing limbs in Cambodia. War’s landmines can leave an impression. I asked, Soviat, the Tuk Tuk driver, “how are the Cambodian people doing after the war?” He tells me his mother, at times hears certain noises and still trembles and fears for her life. He shares the metaphor she uses. “I feel I’m the chicken in the coop they are coming to slaughter today.” He shares that it’s a memory that doesn’t release easily.

Far off we turn our attention to songs of redemption. Melodies beckon us as we hike uphill to see a sunset. Bands of limbless, yet lively survivors joined forces with instruments and song. Walking amongst the vast ruins of Angkor Wat I heard hope. I am encouraged by the sound of the human spirit. Rising. Rising. Still– going on– somehow. It profoundly touches me.

Behind the eyes of these gentle souls are stories. In the Western world we fling around the acronym, PSTD. In Cambodia there’s little time for labeling and addressing those deep hurts. To get on with life, you get back to work and make due. It’s survival.

A day before my husband and I leave, I’m handed a flyer. A beautiful local woman smiles and tells me in English. “Come hear the concert tomorrow night. It’s for a good cause!”

A change agent started this weekly benefit concert. Tourists pretending to be “Tomb Raiders” stop a while and have a chance to contribute.  A Swiss doctor not only oversees the expansion of a Children’s Hospital, now complete with Maternity ward– he also plays the strings for contributions so more people can receive medical attention. The stats show that in 23 years over 13 million outpatients and 1.56 million seriously ill children requiring hospitalization were helped. Thank you, Dr. Beat Richner. You inspire. Play on!

I weave in and out of countries. While the purpose is to enjoy different cultures, people, and travel. I set out to search for something deeper. I’ve found in my adventures that looking for the best holiday is like looking for the perfect spouse. There’s unspoken promises of romance- the effects, the adventures, the desire to feel fully alive.

I’m conjuring up a lasting romance– the kind that keeps my fire lit long after my travel Visas expire. It’s a romance that fires the flames going beyond tourist trinkets. It’s a deep craving to leave a contribution in the world.

Tomorrow I set out on the last and most anticipated part of this Southeast Asian journey. I’ll end up in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I’ll be in the good company of fellow social entrepreneurs and my most esteemed heroes– those who serve in the trenches of feeding the hungry and rescuing children from human trafficking.

Friends, I am raw with emotion, but full of anticipation.

I know I live a life of privilege and that my first world problems would be warmly welcomed by most of the people I’ve encountered in Cambodia and Myanmar. I’ve concluded that poverty sucks and that it’s something I need to keep in front of me on an ongoing basis so I continue to push through to reach my full potential and life purpose.

I’ve decided at this point that 50% of the profits I make will go back to causes like Children’s Hunger Fund. So in February when you see my latest course released know if you decide to buy, you will also be making a contribution to your well-being and that of others. You can find out a little more at www.behealthyhappyfit.com

Mahatma Gandhi shared much wisdom when he said,

It’s easy to get carried away by distractions or the unimportant. We’ve all done it. I suppose what I’m encouraging myself along with you is this, consider all that you have. Consider the surplus. Consider your skills. Consider your work, and how you spend your time.

In the comments below, share something with me. Tell me, do you have something in your upcoming plans to get you uncomfortably primed to lay hold of your purpose? Are you already involved in something that keeps your fires a burnin’ for purpose? Let us know so we can learn from you and celebrate with you!

To purposeful profits and more compassion.