What is self reliance, a case study - Jim

What is self reliance, a case study. Below is some samples of clients I have talked to and their first questions before understanding the reason why its critical for them to become self reliant.

 

Sample 1 - Jim

Jim works for a large mufti-national company in their R&D division.

Jim was referred to me by one of his family members that is well on their way to self-reliance. After talking with Jim for a few minutes, he asked "why do you said I am not self -reliant when I have a good job, good health care, got money in the bank, own a nice house and drive a good car".

I told him that he had the illusion of being self-reliant, because if for some reason he lost his car, house, health care, money and job could he survive? His answer was typical in that he could live and eat at one of the homeless shelters until he found another job. I asked him if he knew where one was. He replied he did not, but he could Google it.

I asked him, what if for some reason such as budget cuts the food shelters where full or even worse yet closed what would he do. He answered again a typical reply, well its a dog eat dog world I could rob someone or take money. Jim, I told him when was the last time you actually fired a gun, used a knife or even got into a serious fight. He silence was response enough.

But I don't have time to learn how to be self-reliant, I asked him did he have any hobbies or play sports on a regular basis. Found out he always loved to watch sports and most of Sunday afternoon was his sports time. I told him he found time to keep up and enjoy sports, couldn't he find the time to aleast sit down and listen to what I had to say. I told him we had been talking for almost 20 minutes already (thanks to Skype's ability to keep a running timer). I heard a heavy sigh, he said he would listen but if I could make it quick.

I proceeded to tell him that the first step was to make sure that he had enough water, food, and supplies for 3 days if he couldn't go anywhere and the electric/water where out. He told me he had a few microwave dinners and some cans. I quickly found out Jim had canned food but no manual can opener. I quickly told Jim a list of items he needed to be able to make it for 3 days without any outside help.