After observing human behaviors for a long length of time you can see the heavy thoughts that weigh on their mind. A small nudge is all it takes and a open ear to hear how their life lead them to the opportunity for us to meet.
He started in Arizona and ended up in Kentucky. Lonely – homeless and broke. Less than 6 months ago he had a federal job making $17 an hour. Married for 20 years, a home, money in the bank. It all changed over night with one decision. It is not my place to say it was a good choice or not.
However, listening to the stress in his voice he says ‘I messed up and I regret it every day’. He left his job and drove for 3 days across the USA to reach Kentucky to move in with another man. His wife filed for divorce and the house remained in her name – he spent his money traveling to what he thought was a new life.
After 6 months the new living arrangements went sour and he had no where to go but inside his 1997 Honda car. Not used to this type of life style he fell into a deep depression that lead to an attempted suicide drug over dose.
The next thing he knew he was laying in the ICU alone. Miles from what he called home now in more despair as he grieved for his ‘normal’ lost life.
He stood as a well groomed, nicely shaved 6 ft tall middle age man spilling his story. His eyes told his story was deeper than the words he spoke. He stated,” I miss my wife, I am still so in love with her, I miss her so much every day. I made a choice that changed my whole life and I do not know how I am going to get back to AZ.
Have you ever made a mistake? A choice that made things turns your road into a very rocky path?
John did too. He started using IV drugs at the age of 12. Drinking regularly by the age of 14. He was sent to a military type private school that gave him the opportunity to use his 140 IQ. After getting kicked out – and years of bad behavior he landed in prison for 3 months for drugs another bad choice and a parole violation sent him back to prison for three years to be served completely.
The prison guards open his cell and took him to holding where normally was a place you stayed if you were given a write up in prison for your behavior. He was worried his time was just extended. Instead the priest walked in with a long sheet of paper. He ask John can you read? He replied,” “Yeah I can read” He handed him a piece of paper that took the breath out of him. It was his 83 year old father’s obituary. His parole violation prevented him from attending the funeral. He said I felt like pure shit and alone. More alone than I have ever been and I could not tell my dad good bye.
The faraway look in his eye as he talked was going back to the time and place of the event. The emotion of the moment returned. He turned and looked at me and said, “I was given a chance to be somebody more than once and I blew them all.”
I said you have a story to be told. You could change other people’s life by hearing your story. He said.” But I cannot refuse a needle with any kind of drug how can I help some one else?” Your life is the story. Where your choices have lead you and the strong yearn you now crave over a drug you know will win one day. He said, “I have young kids come to be all the time asking if they should shoot up. I want wear that monkey on my back. I want encourage it – but I did not stop them either. I stayed with them and took care of them.” I said, “John we have known each other a long time. They are coming to you for guidance. Use your life as the example to go down another path. Lead them there – you have powerful riches to rags story that can make huge changes in some one’s life. You can make a difference. Take the opportunity.”
He pondered for a minute. He looked at me really absorbing what I said. I never thought about that – that would be nice. Even if I can’t change me. I was really smart at one time and the drugs have messed me up. I left him sitting with his thoughts. Who knows if it will ever spur him to become a advocate to someone else. However, I planted the seed.
When you and I make choices – we have that little pit in the bottom of our stomach that tights if we are getting ready to do something that we should not do – or the butterflies of excitement that show up when the choice is good for us. Rarely do people listen to their own self talking to them and guiding their choices with the right ones. If it makes you hesitate and feel overwhelming uncomfortable most people will push through that stop sign any way. Then later remember the feeling as a warning.
This is called “listening to your intuition”. Your body gives you a tremendous amount of useful information that you may not be conscious of. For example, when someone you don’t like visits, does your stomach tie up in knots? When your boss yells at you, do your shoulders turn into stone? When you feel passionate and alive, does your chest feel warm and open? When we ignore the body’s message, we lose out on valuable information designed to let us what works for us and what doesn’t.
Self-sabotage is like a game of mental tug-of-war. It is the conscious mind versus the subconscious mind where the subconscious mind always eventually wins. The conscious mind can carry out actions and work toward a goal, but it will not be long before the subconscious mind reveals the true feelings and beliefs and takes control over actions. You may get away with lying to others but you can never get away with lying to yourself. Believe in and have faith in yourself, and eliminate self-sabotage from your life for good.
You do not have to be a a celebrity to tell your story. Once I started blogging about my years in the mental hospital as a nurse I was amazed at the stories that people shared with me either as a nurse, a family member of someone with mental illness and a patient that had a great success story. The life that you have lived up to the point – has a story that got you to where you are. Each success that you have had just shows you the true inner strength that you possess and by sharing those successes with others, it will assist others in learning from your experiences so that they can succeed, too. What one thing made you as strong as you are?
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The human mind is such a complex and at times fragile thing. We are a compilation of our experiences and yet in an instant, one choice can change the direction of our lives…sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. When you allow others to open up and share their story, as you so brilliantly and compassionately do Angela, you are validating them and their worth…you are telling them they are worthy of making a choice to stop…absorb the lesson…and start again because they are worth it! You are a blessing to all of those who cross your path. Every time I read your articles, I feel motivated to care a bit more, love a bit deeper and forgive on a broader path. Thank you Angela!
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Thank you for reading Denny. The power of encouragement and listening. It could mean the world to someone else
Angela, you're right, you never know whose life you'll affect by telling your story. And it's often not who you think it will be. Someone can be in the middle of a dilemma, trying to decide what to do in some particular situation, and your story may be the deciding factor. Hopefully what they hear at that moment will help them make the right decision …
I get surprised sometimes that people really believe others set their self up for the failure they go through. Yes people make mistakes and sometimes to the point of addition but some of the ones we come in contact with are like the men I talked about – one choice – one big change
Who knows? Maybe if this man shares his story, he may not only impact his life, but his own.
I was arrested for domestic violence (threatening and intimidating my wife).I have never been physically violent with my wife! I have remorse to GOD and my wife for being so angry; yet, I am not contrite or remorseful to the court or the legal system.
I do not condone domestic violence. Also, I do not condone many of the domestic violent laws. When laws are made, without the consideration of the long-tem affects, eventually society will suffer. For example, now that I have a criminal record, for a largely trivial matter. I may not be able to return to military and become a nurse in this country. Our military is overstressed and society needs civilian nurses. Most of the domestic violence complaints are made by women. Once again, I do not condone domestic violence. If men feel they cannot have trusting relationship with women, GOD'S plan for family and marriage in this country is in serious jepordy.
Also, I am not going back to jail for any reason! If the police come to arrest me for a trivial domestic violence law, I am willing to die and kill police officers or anyone else involved. I do not consume alcohol or drugs. At the time of my arrest, I was suffering from a herniated discs in my neck and back, while having knee issues, which forced me to have my knee aspirated, three times. I was on pain medication. Normally, I am not a violent person. I believe the pain medication had a lot to do with my angry disposition. Also, I had sin in my life.
Since my arrest for domestic violence, my wife has suffered more than I have. We have reconciled our marriage; yet, my wife has had business and health issues. My health issues have all but disappeared, while I am earning more money. I am not stating this to gloat or be boastful. All choices have consequences.
The trivial domestic violence laws put stress on the tax payer and the legal system, while making mediocre attempts to improve relationships, as in domestic violence and anger management classes.
Finally, I have surrendered my life to GOD. I love my wife unconditionally. I am determine to use this domestic violence incident, as a catalyst to pursue GOD'S destiny for my life.
May GOD bless you and your family.
Hi Kenneth – Thank you for sharing your story. Even though I do not know the whole story it sounds like you have learned a lesson and have a new view of things. I wish you well and success in your marriage as a team
When I was 15, my Mom held a gun to my head and threatened to kill me. I am learning forgiveness. I just wrote out part of my story on my website. Thanks for letting me share Angela! Love your website and your stories!!
Hi Angela,
Great story. For many years I have known behind every face is a story. I don't judge others past. I am here to help "mold" their today better than their yesterdays. Perhaps my "story" one day will become a book or a movie. I'm just trusting in God in ALL. I didn't grow up knowing HIM, but I do now. NOW is what I can deal with. Sometimes we can mess ourselves us, but on the other hand, some parents can do that to their kids. Just being "real" I got head tripped by my parents. The past is gone and today I have the NOW and future which lies ahead. Yeah for all of us we have another chance.
Angela, this is such a wonderful story, a wonderful post. Incredibly well-written, captivating and important. It made me realize that I do need to tell my story. Not for myself, but for someone who may need to hear it. Thank you.
Such an encouragement, everyone counts and everyone has a story to share. Sounds like a book in the making, Great title for one…or a serious like Chicken Soup for the soul.
Thank you Nancy!
Debra … *wink* I think your right!
That is alot to forgive – but you have been a shining example!
You always have such amazing stories, Angela. Once again, thank you for sharing.
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