I am now into my second day living below the line. It was tougher than the first day, as I thought, but I have been impressed at how I am not feeling as hungry as I thought I might. I have been hungry between meals and can't wait til it is time to eat again! But I thought I would become totally preoccupied with clock watching and seeing how much longer I could wait before I ate my next meal.
The thing I am finding hardest is only drinking water. I usually drink fruit juices, squashes, hot drinks and water in a day. I find water quite boring to drink and I am finding myself reminding myself I have to keep myself hydrates, whereas usually I drink like a fish throughout the day! I have started to crave things like a coke, when I don't even drink carbonated drinks usually! I think it is just wanting to have a liquid with flavour that is doing it!
I have noticed how today I have felt quite tired and found it hard to concentrate. At work I was getting through my work but at a slower pace and I found myself drifting off into space often. I think it shows just how vital food is and the energy it gives you. That is why there are so many good projects out there than ensure that particularly children get at least one meal a day. Research has shown that educating a child who hasn't eaten means they are unlikely to learn anything. This is why it is vital children are fed, and many school projects in countries like Africa ensure children receive breakfast at school, which not only stops them from starving but also improves their concentration, which leads to their education and the foundations of being able to try and have a successful future - one hopefully without poverty.
I think today I have learned that it is OK to feel hungry. Usually whenever we even feel a bit peckish we reach for something to fill the gap so we often never know what it feels like to be hungry. Although it is mentally tough to overcome the hunger barrier I am glad I am experiencing this, as even though I am living below the poverty line I am still eating three meals a day. Something that many people do not achieve.
Whenever I find this challenge a bit tough I remind myself of just why I am doing it. Below is a video about extreme poverty and hunger and why challenges like Live Below The Line exist. This video also touches upon the Millennium Development Goals, a set of 8 goals agree by over 180 countries in the world to help tackle some of the worlds biggest issues.
I will warn you the video contains shocking images. But it is important to see just what happens in the world every single day.
800 million people will go hungry today.
8 million people will die this year from starvation. That is the equivalent of the population of London.
Every 3.6 seconds a person dies from starvation.
It is abhorrent that people are forced to exist like this in the world in the 21st century. This is why it is so important to raise awareness of issues that we as people in the democratic free world have a chance to make global leaders listen, to assist and to help ensure the Millennium Development Goals are achieved. Throwing money at a problem is not the answer. But equality and the chance for people to better themselves is. It is a human right to be able to live in a humane way and it is a human obligation to help those who are currently not.
We have the privilege and freedom to voice our opinions and make ourselves heard. It is vital that we do not neglect this and help give a voice for the billions of people that do not have a voice.
This challenge proves just how far £1 can go. Please donate whenever you can, what you can. Be it money, time or even through raising awareness.
Until next time, much love.
Sophie
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