I’ve been in the shelter for two weeks now. Surviving the homeless shelter situation, I’m finding out, is about me and my outlook on life.
First, I remind myself – every second of every day – I’m not meant to stay in this place any longer than is necessary. I don’t belong with the homeless. Theirs is a revolving door; mine leads out into the world!
Second, I stay positive 99.9% of the time. This isn’t the end. It’s another beginning. My life isn’t falling apart. My train of life isn’t even derailed; it simply took a detour.I’m an actor playing a tragic character in yet another human story. If playing tragic character is my destiny, so be it.
Sometimes I “play games”. I’m and undercover cop. Write researching a gut-wrenching human story of survival. Let’s call it An Impossible Journey.
Third, I ensure that I stay as productive as I was before this situation. By force if necessary. I invest at least eight into productive activities!
I leave the shelter around 7.10a.m., head straight to the coffee shop. As before, my dear begins with a good cup of coffee. There, I write, write, write. I read the papers. I tackle the daily crossword puzzle.
Around 2.p.m, I’ve my usual my $6.77 “lunch” at the Caribbean-food restaurant at the food court. Fried rice. Mixed veggies with an excess of broccoli. Jerk chicken. (There’s a beautiful Chinese girl there I’ve been asking out for the twelve or so days now…)
Afterwards, I “stretch my legs”, kill time. Shopping mall. Bookstore. Library. Etc.
In the evening, I read, watch a movie, etc.
At all times I stay connected with fellow human beings. I reach out to and small-talk with, yes, strangers around me.
And I flirt. Yes, in this libidinous city, even a homeless guy can flirt his heart out with a complete stranger!