Previously Homeless Woman Explains Why People In Poverty Buy Non-Essential Items And Why It's Okay

If you haven't lived it, what place do you have to judge?

Elana

• Published in Interesting
• January 26, 2019

In today's tumultuous political and social economic climate there is a whole lot of judgement and a whole lot of people who don't know your business, your story, or what it's like to walk a mile in your shoes telling you what you should and shouldn't do. It's emotionally burdensome at best and simply cruel at worst. Tumblr user Parisianqueen was used to these interactions, she used to be homeless. It was during that time of extreme poverty that she decided to spend $25 on candles. That's right, candles.

For a lot of people on the outside, looking in, this was a huge waste of precious money that could have and should have been spent better and they wasted no time making sure she knew about her ridiculous mistake. However, for Parisianqueen also more personally known as Arella, this purchase was a huge motivator to get back on her feet. So she turned to Tumblr to explain a few things and others were quick to chime in with their own personal experiences of extreme poverty, "frivolous" spending, and why we all need to STFU when it comes to judging a situation we don't understand.

Tumblr user parisianqueen began by reflecting back to one of the darkest times in her life, her most poverty stricken period where she was homeless and spent a whopping $25 on fancy candles.

It's not surprising that most people would have a knee-jerk negative reaction but before you get mad, read about what that purchase meant to her and did for her!

It means something.

She doesn't judge them! And her post began to inspire other Tumblr users who echoed her message with enthusiasm.

Inspirational pick me ups, a reason to live, a reason to persevere... whatever it is, you're not a bad person for spending that money.

"I still find time for the little things."

Maybe this is a lesson people more financially stable could stand to learn.

Tumblr user simonalkenmayer added in a historical reflection and his recollection of what the Great Depression was like and don't be surprised if his words bring tears to your eyes.

Christmas during the Great Depression was not short on magic, and that's profound.

I wish I could hug the flour companies from this time, honestly.

Rain water was a life saver. Today in some of the states in the United States, it is illegal to collect rain water.

The not silver wedding band will make you think twice about what marriage means.

"Extreme poverty is an oubliette."

These eloquent words resonate with virtually anyone who has experienced extreme poverty.

Thank you, Simon!

Wow! I'll be honest, especially reading about The Great Depression it was hard not to want to cry. The willpower and optimism it takes to get through hard times is definitely something to be admired and we're glad Arella spawned this conversation. I'm sure it won't change the minds of everyone, because some people just enjoy looking down on others, but I'll leave you with a photo of an average family during The Great Depression. There are a lot of things in this photo you might look at differently having read everything you've read today. Maybe not. But I do hope you put your best foot forward today.

Elana