Brian, who sees street paper vendors as ambassadors for the houseless community, has had many experiences with generous people
Brian Schmidt has been designing a motivational program, which he explained is a “repetition of ancient thoughts” and is based on the idea that when you have the highest level of motivation, ideas start to make sense.
“Today’s world requires every bit of positivity,” he said. “You need positivity to see the light.”
Small wonder that the book he’s halfway through writing is titled “Happiness is a Choice.”
Brian has been a Street Roots vendor since 2009. He believes that vendors are in a strategic position, as they connect with the public, to advocate as ambassadors for houseless people and to provide to the public much needed understanding of their life situations.
He also believes Street Roots provides vendors the opportunity to connect with the public and feel useful while earning money.
“Talking with others,” he said, “is the best way to communicate and connect with people.”
He’s had a lot of success selling Street Roots.
“The people of Oregon are immensely generous in so many ways,” he said when asked about some favorite stories and customers. “I’ve been very fortunate.”
Nick Fish, a Portland City Council member who died in January, was one of Brian’s first success stories. On a sunny Sunday afternoon 11 years ago at Pioneer Courthouse Square, Fish walked up to Brian with a big smile on his face and “flew me a five,” Brian remembered. “Fish said, ‘Keep the change.’”
OPINION: Nick Fish helped transform how Portland would tackle homelessness
Since then, Brian said, he’s had many experiences with generous people.
“Are you sure?” he’s asked customers when they hand him big bills. He’s been astounded over the years by people’s kindness.
Asked about his customers’ motivations for such generosity, he said: “I don’t think you ever know. I try to be positive with people. I try to be positive and encouraging. I think that positivity comes back to you. What you send out comes back 100-fold.”
Brian was asked about the temporary transition from print to digital during the pandemic. Although he misses the feeling of selling papers on the streets and the many connections he’s made with customers over the past 11 years, Brian said Street Roots’ digital news is equally fine and may just be easier to read than the print version.
“Street Roots has always been a good paper,” he said. “It has always provided an in-depth view of the politics, the economics and the real-life situations that cause people to be homeless. These causes are not always understood.”
Brian stays involved with Street Roots, commuting from Vancouver, Wash., where he was able to secure housing. The commute is a challenge. On the weekends, with a shortened bus schedule, Brian has to walk 2 miles to the bus stop to catch an early morning bus into downtown Portland.
He also faces anxiety and depression. But, he said, “I’m always trying to improve my outlook and trying to be a better person.”
Brian acknowledged that the pandemic has made life challenging for everyone. But “COVID is gonna do what it’s gonna do, no matter what. I face COVID the same way I face all challenges,” he said. “Stay as positive as possible and don’t dwell on the things that you cannot change.
“Spiritual energy is more important than physical,” Brian said. It’s important to “keep trying to be a shining light. Be generous. Be happy and enthusiastic. That’s the best way to stay healthy. You can only do so much physically, but spiritually you can stay strong.”
Brian’s positivity is reflected in an excerpt from “When I am Among the Trees, a poem by Mary Oliver”:
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
That simple invitation — “to be filled with light, and to shine” — is a major tenet of Brian’s philosophy.
Street Roots newspaper operates independently of Street Roots advocacy and is a part of the Street Roots organization. It is an award-winning, weekly publication focusing on economic, environmental and social justice issues. The newspaper is sold in Portland, Oregon, by people experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty as means of earning an income with dignity. Learn more about Street Roots . Support your community newspaper by making a one-time or recurring gift today .
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