One of the biggest misconceptions about homelessness is that it's something that can be avoided or is a consequence of poor choices. Some people might assume that homelessness is caused by laziness or lack of effort. The reality is that homelessness can affect anyone—regardless of age, intelligence, or wealth. And once you're in it, it's not something you can just "fix" overnight. The journey to stability is often long and challenging.
Let's be honest: ending up without a home, with little or no money, and few resources for survival is a traumatic experience. It sends shockwaves through your entire sense of security and self-worth. It's no wonder that those who find themselves homeless are often overwhelmed and in a state of shock, rather than ready to immediately start rebuilding their lives. Their mental health takes a heavy hit, and recovery can be a slow process.
Living Through Homelessness
When I first became homeless, I felt like I was teetering between sanity and insanity. I ended up living in my car, constantly questioning how I got there. It was an emotional whirlwind—anger, guilt, despair, and self-blame. I found myself wondering how someone like me, who didn't use drugs and considered themselves resourceful and smart, could end up without a home. As you can tell, I had my own misconceptions.
The stigma surrounding homelessness didn't help. Even if no one directly laughed at me, I knew people were judging. Comments, whispers, and unkind assumptions only added to my sense of shame and made me feel like I was somehow less than human. The emotional toll of these judgments can be immense, pushing people toward destructive thoughts or behaviors.
Finding Your Way Through
Despite the stigma, I learned that I couldn't control what others thought or said about me. What I could control, however, was how I viewed myself and my situation. It wasn't easy, but reframing my perspective helped me find a path forward.
Feeling Through the Pain
One of the most important things I did was allow myself to feel the full range of emotions that came with my situation. Crying, screaming, or even dropping a few F-bombs—whatever it took to release the overwhelming stress and start to heal. I came to understand that my emotions were valid, and I needed to honor them to move forward. Writing in a journal became a crucial outlet, as did finding safe spaces to express my feelings without judgment.
Survival Mode
Homelessness is far from ideal, but in that moment, it's essential to survive. I focused on meeting my basic needs—food, shelter, and cleanliness. It wasn't easy, and sometimes it felt primal, but I did my best with what I had. Local libraries, food pantries, and charities became lifelines for information and resources. The key was to find a way to make it through each day until I could find something better.
*Please note: due to unprecedented times resources may be scare
Making the Most of Time
Time was my most valuable asset. I used it to apply for jobs, update my resume, and read to keep my mind active. Part-time work helped me earn money for a motel room or gas for my car. Being in nature was another source of comfort—it grounded me and gave me moments of peace in the midst of chaos.
Looking Ahead
The homeless lifestyle isn't something anyone plans for, and it often hits without warning. But there are ways to navigate this difficult terrain and even find moments of hope along the way. By focusing on mental health, meeting basic needs, and making the most of available resources, I found a way to keep going.
If you're experiencing homelessness, remember that you're not alone. Take care of yourself, and don't be afraid to seek out support and community. This journey is challenging, but it's possible to find a way through it. Keep moving forward, as best as you can.
Thank you for reading, and be sure to check out my latest video for more tips on navigating the homeless experience and finding hope amid uncertainty. Stay strong, fellow journeyers.
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