A popular question during interviews and conversations that you hear on television and read online is “What advice would you give your younger self?”.
As I prepare to hit week three here in the Orlando homeless community, I actually wish my younger selves would give advice to me.
This is the second time I’ve hit rock bottom. I’ve fallen so far from where I was in my 20s and 30s.
In my 20s I was a promising soldier in the United States Army. It was my great honor and I wish I never got out. My peers in my last unit thought I was a “lifer” for sure. The reason I got out was because I had joined not long after my 18th birthday and wanted to experience the “real world” as an adult. I wasn’t prepared.
I never thought it would take me to the street. I don’t think my younger self would believe it either.
Many of you knew me in my 30s. I had an awesome political blog, and a great readership in Orlando. I spent my days around our community’s decision makers and I enjoyed chronicling their stories every day and sharing them with Orlando.
This has been the nightmare scenario come true to my younger selves. To fail and fall so far from where I was in my own hometown.
If I could speak to both of them, I would grab them by the temples and tell them…
“Don’t get out of the Army. You’re where you’re supposed to be.”
“Don’t sell your blog. You’re where you’re supposed to be.”
Both of them would probably be in shock and ask how it happened.
“You were scared. Made bad decisions. And had no skills to lean back on.” I would say.
And both versions would probably feel exactly the way I feel now.
Hopeless and lost.
No good news today. Let’s hope for a better tomorrow because it has to get better.
Dear friends. You’ve read this post. Times are bad. Any help below would be a great help. If you have any questions please write me at Torres.fjr@gmail.com
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