One would  like to think the title is true, and in many ways it is, be it positive or negative.  One will do whatever it takes to ensure one's survival.  It is one of the rules of nature.

Far too many times, we allow those we love to depend upon us.  The Sistah always in need of a loan or the Brother always in need of a job, are but two examples of people with a lack of self-motivation.  We pride ourselves on helping these family members, but the question is; Are we actually helping?

One must ponder this question when one is in this situation.  To assist a physically and mentally capable person find a job is positive.  To assist someone with a short term loan for an emergency is also positive.  To shelter an abused friend is indeed a positive position and act.  But the crucial question is: When does it change from positive to destructive?

It changes when/if that Brother or Sistah no longer attempt to change and becomes complacent with their existing situation.  That is where it crosses over.  We have a serious problem with complacency.  Far too many times we gain or achieve a certain level, and find it comfortable.

Sometimes we find it so comfortable we forget to continue to strive.  Since we were kidnapped, we have been taught we should be happy when we achieve little victories.  While that thought is not entirely incorrect, when do we decide what we have is ample?  To achieve any victory is a positive thing.  We have so many stumbling blocks, every victory should be celebrated.

However that does not mean we are to stop striving for more.  No other people limit themselves in achievements.  You will never see any other ethnic group limit themselves or their potential.  As a matter of fact there are serious Think Tanks, which missions are to create opportunities for growth.  Within these think tanks are great and learned minds, who evaluate the human condition and strive to find ways to alleviate suffering, poverty and illness.  All too often the means to overcome these fallacies are readily available, but overlooked.

The survival instinct of an individual should enable one's self-motivation instinct, but sad as it is to say, these days it seems to be lacking.  How can one go through life with no goals nor plans for the future.  That is indicative of no vision of the future, or no foresight.  What has happened that so many have no foresight, and are only living for the moment?  Has the world become so gloomy that the future has no place in the lives of these family members?  What will happen when the future becomes the now and they have not prepared for it?  The sad truth is they will not be prepared for it, and will be found lacking the basic necessities.

How can we turn this around?  Mentoring is a often used word, but it still one of the best ways to address the situation.  We must show by example how to prepare for the future.  Those who have achieved financial, spiritual, or philosophical success must teach those in need of such lessons.  Even in teaching, one must be careful to learn the lesson that assisting does not mean taking control.

Our duty is to assist all who require it, by showing them how to help themselves.  It is not to take on the burden of replacing their parents.  I will leave you with this saying;

Tyree