Only Persistence manages to escape the gravitational force of attraction.
This morning, I decided to walk downtown to clear my mind and find inspiration for my writing. I relish long walks, particularly in places where I’ve previously grappled with addiction and despair.
However, I’m cautious about the gravitational pull of those places, which can be incredibly inspiring. Nevertheless, I must be careful not to get lost in their allure.
As I strolled, I noticed the rush of people to work, sipping coffee and engrossed in their AirPods. Everyone seemed to be in their world, while others wandered on street corners, searching for cigarette butts.
Some street performers appeared exhausted, like sleepwalkers with reddish eyes and lifeless features.
Homelessness can drain the life and spirit of anyone who finds themselves in that unfortunate situation. Sometimes, it’s a result of mismanagement of addiction’s behavior, while other times, it’s simply a matter of life’s unfortunate twists and turns.
It can happen to anybody.
Something I noticed, too, is that their personality gradually changes. It could be an adaptation or perhaps an accommodation. The person gets used to the title of (homeless), its environment, the shelter, and unique treatment.
They learn to hustle to survive no matter the background.
One thing I’ve noticed is that their personalities gradually change. It could be an adaptation or perhaps an accommodation. The person gets accustomed to the title of “homeless,” their surroundings, the shelter, and the unique treatment they receive.
They learn to hustle to survive, regardless of their background.
Standing on the corner, observing the situation, an individual approached me, asking for a few dollars to buy something to eat.
It’s a double-edged sword. It feels like I’m doing something good or an accomplice in his destruction. I felt that way because I’ve asked for money before and ended up drinking most of the time.
I found myself entangled in the whirlwind of alcoholism and homelessness in the past.
Fortunately, I managed to overcome those challenges.
I suggested to the person that a place nearby offered free meals to the homeless.
He made a face of discomfort.
I understand that the food may not be the best, but it’s a way to get by for the day.
I saw it that way to avoid starvation, but the man craved McDonald’s for breakfast. There’s nothing wrong with that. At least, if I provided him with food, I ensured that he wouldn’t squander the money on self-destructive behavior.
We had a happy ending. While sitting in the park, we both enjoyed breakfast platters, scrambled eggs, and pancakes. It was an excellent opportunity to offer him some hope; it turned out he had a microphone and wouldn’t let me speak.
He told me absurd stories about his misfortunes (perhaps to tug at my heartstrings and get some money). “It’s the hustle, man,” he said. “The everyday hustle.”
I wanted to offer him some encouragement (instead of money), but unfortunately, some people have already reached a state of psychological deterioration.
My heart ached with sadness as I gave the man a few dollars and bid him farewell with a sympathetic hug.
This incident reminded me of a parable from Priest and Therapist Antony de Mello, which I had read in a James Clear newsletter.
The parable tells the story of a man who discovered an eagle’s egg and placed it in the nest of a barnyard hen. As a result, the eaglet hatched alongside a brood of chickens and grew up alongside them.
Unaware of its true nature, the eagle adopted the behaviors of the barnyard chicks. It scratched the ground for worms and insects, clucked and cackled, and even flapped its wings and attempted to fly a few feet into the air.
Years passed, and the venerable eagle grew old. One day, he beheld a magnificent bird soaring gracefully above him in the cloudless sky. It effortlessly glided amidst the powerful wind currents with barely a flap of its robust golden wings.
The aged eagle gazed up in awe. “Who is that?” he inquired.
“That is the eagle, the king of the birds,” his neighbor replied. “He belongs to the sky. On the other hand, we belong to the earth—we are chickens.”
Thus, the eagle lived and died as a chicken, for that is what he had come to believe.
Source: Song of the Bird
Thoughts from my burning heart
Life may present numerous challenges, but that doesn’t mean we should settle for less. Humans are inherently equipped with everything they need to survive and thrive.
Escaping homelessness requires immense perseverance, but we must persistently fight for our victories in this life.
As privileged individuals who enjoy a better standard of living, let’s not ignore the issue of homelessness. Instead, let’s show compassion and kindness.
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