Over the past year, a man only identified as ‘Falling Behind’ has been grappling with hardships fueled by emotional, social, and financial woes. This sorrowful journey started with the loss of his mother. Besieged by these relentless burdens, ‘Falling Behind’ turned to author R. Eric Thomas, hoping for a nugget of wisdom to illuminate his path.
The struggle started when the woman he called mom and lived with was transferred to a nursing home. Perhaps as a twist of fate, he found a haven in his niece home, where he’s been living since. The bonds forged with his extended family in this dark period now afford him the only threads of social connection.
Adding to this, is the unfortunate presence of a physical disability standing between him and employment. For the past two decades, joblessness has been a staple of his life, resulting in his heavy reliance on food stamps and pantry supplies as means of survival.
Recognizing the immense gravity of his situation, author R.
Facing adversity with author’s guidance
Eric Thomas advocates for a piecemeal approach to tackle the problems. Among his suggestions are increasing his social circle, managing emotions and thoughts through journaling, regular exercise for stress management, and, importantly, the pursuit of professional help when necessary.
From the financial standpoint, Thomas pushes for the utilization of community-based financial management resources and highlights the importance of saving and budgeting. He identifies the power of small, achievable goals, like putting aside a certain amount monthly, and acknowledges the transformative potential of those small triumphs that often go unnoticed.
Lastly, R. Eric Thomas warmly invites ‘Falling Behind’ to remain in contact for ongoing support. His advice column and weekly newsletters, teeming with hands-on tips and guidance, are shared with a community battling similar battles. Emphasizing the importance of continuous dialogue, he waits eagerly for shared experiences that will further enrich his advisory community.
