This wasn’t supposed to be written, much less published. I shared what happened and that was the end of it — so I thought. In fairly short order, it hit me: the whole story needed to be told. What’s it like to be homeless? I have it on good authority, so let’s talk.
Shared misfortunes bring everyone opportunities to identify, learn, grow, and heal.
From the beginning
With good intentions and honest effort, a defeat doesn’t define us.
A little over two months ago, the opening salvo hit so hard it darn near took out the house. At that moment, it became clear that I’d be living in survival mode through a difficult season of undetermined length.
Sometimes in between the lines, I share a lot of personal information on Chipur. But I swore I’d never reveal anything as personal and humiliating as what went down this past April.
The cat peeks out of the bag
Three weeks ago, I began a two-part series on what happened titled “What to do when you’re overwhelmed by life.” I opened part one with…
It’s going down. Gabriel knew it could happen — still, the shock and awe of the attack left his face ashen. As bad as it is, he knows he’ll attempt a comeback. But for now, he needs to draft his plan, as he focuses solely upon what to do when you’re overwhelmed by life.
Notice I referred to Gabriel — but my name is Bill. Truth: I was embarrassed to open the article with my name. Okay, you need to know the activating event behind that embarrassment as well as my dicey emotional and mental state…
My apartment complex manager informed me my lease won’t be renewed. I’ve been homeless going on two months now.
If I end up tapping “Publish” on this draft, I want it known that I did it for three primary reasons..
- Shared misfortunes bring everyone opportunities to identify, learn, grow, and heal
- I need to learn that I can share something of this magnitude without fear of judgment or threat to credibility
- I needed to get it off my chest
Maybe you can put yourself in my position and come up with reasons you’d spill the beans. But would you?
“Walk a Mile in My Shoes”
Singer, songwriter, musician Joe South had a big hit in 1970: “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” Here are the chorus lyrics…
Walk a mile in my shoes
Just walk a mile in my shoes
Before you abuse, criticize and accuse
Then walk a mile in my shoes
Be it on the giving or receiving end of such kindness, what a great rule of life. Do you agree?
Much more to come
Well, I did it (assuming I tap “Publish”). But there’s much more to come in part two. As long as I’m in this position, I want to share some things I’ve experienced and learned. I think you’ll find them interesting — even helpful.
So heads-up for part two — coming soon.
Be sure to read the articles that got things started…
What to do when you’re overwhelmed by life
What to do when you’re overwhelmed by life | 2
And please peruse the Chipur emotional and mental illness info and inspiration titles on the articles page — or by category below, right sidebar on desktop. We’ll both appreciate it.
After a decades-long wrestling match with emotional and mental illness, Bill finally found his professional and personal passion – life’s meaning. He wanted to lend a hand to those struggling as he did, so off he went to grad school at age 49 and earned his counseling credentials. He continues his service through Chipur and other projects.
