I just heard a story of a one-legged 27year old woman in Nigeria who decided to sell water on the streets so she could look after herself and her grandmother. After losing her leg in a car accident, she found her dreams of being a lawyer shattered. She was inspired to start a business after facing the fact that she had no prospects and struggled to find a meal daily. She started selling water on the roads of Lagos, Nigeria, while pregnant. She figured selling water requires minimal capital and no permission. All she needed was one leg to move and the will and perseverance to keep going despite the daily adversities; some customers run off without paying, knowing she couldn't chase!

Mary was discovered by a journalist who interviewed her and shared her remarkable story online. An investor heard the story and gave her 500naira (£800) to start another business. When she told her partner about the investment, he got angry, stole her money and disappeared from her life. Mary returned to selling water and making less than $5 a day.  

I felt emotional yet inspired hearing this story today. Sometimes we feel lost, and life can feel hopeless but let me assure you there is always hope in your dreams. 

The advice I could give anyone who finds themselves stuck, in poverty or lacking job opportunities is to turn to entrepreneurship. Start something, help someone starting something, even if it's in exchange for nothing. Opportunities and options appear through action. 

When you can't get a break, find a way to pick yourself. If you want to talk to me about an idea you have but can't find a way forward... reply to this email and let's have a chat. 

Dreamer