Just over a year ago I posted this interaction on my Facebook status. It popped up in my memories, so I thought I would share here. I wonder how this guy is doing today. I hope he is well.
This morning at a bus stop I met a man. He was on his way to a funeral. His 22 year old cousin (if I remember correctly) had passed away from complications of a genetic disorder. A rough way to start the year, with a funeral and I said as much in our conversation. This man then went on to tell me he was surprised to still be alive himself. He went on to tell me that he was a recovering addict, had been in jail, he had very much led a dark turbulent life. He said until he went to rehab he blamed everyone else for his problems and all the hardship life threw his way, he realised in rehab that he was his own problem and it was no one else's fault where he found himself. He also told me he did have a tough childhood, which contributed to where he found himself, but it was his actions that kept him in the dark times. He had turned a corner, he had enrolled in a Tafe course, he looked well and content, in spite of where his journey would take him later in the day. He said some will always judge him for that rough time in his life, no matter what he did. I don't know this man, but in a way I do know him, I know his story, even if it is only the foreword. We talked a little about life and I felt humbled and honoured that in those short 10 minutes we could connect as humans and share a small portion of our stories. I think his was much more interesting than mine. I wished him well and said I was glad he was on the right path. We both got on the bus and went our separate ways. I reflected on that moment for most of the day, how little my life gives me opportunities to meet and connect with people. I reflected on how I felt awkward and wished I could have said something profoundly insightful. But maybe just having the opportunity to chat to a stranger and decompress before saying farewell to his cousin was enough. I hope it was enough.
This morning at a bus stop I met a man. He was on his way to a funeral. His 22 year old cousin (if I remember correctly) had passed away from complications of a genetic disorder. A rough way to start the year, with a funeral and I said as much in our conversation. This man then went on to tell me he was surprised to still be alive himself. He went on to tell me that he was a recovering addict, had been in jail, he had very much led a dark turbulent life. He said until he went to rehab he blamed everyone else for his problems and all the hardship life threw his way, he realised in rehab that he was his own problem and it was no one else's fault where he found himself. He also told me he did have a tough childhood, which contributed to where he found himself, but it was his actions that kept him in the dark times. He had turned a corner, he had enrolled in a Tafe course, he looked well and content, in spite of where his journey would take him later in the day. He said some will always judge him for that rough time in his life, no matter what he did. I don't know this man, but in a way I do know him, I know his story, even if it is only the foreword. We talked a little about life and I felt humbled and honoured that in those short 10 minutes we could connect as humans and share a small portion of our stories. I think his was much more interesting than mine. I wished him well and said I was glad he was on the right path. We both got on the bus and went our separate ways. I reflected on that moment for most of the day, how little my life gives me opportunities to meet and connect with people. I reflected on how I felt awkward and wished I could have said something profoundly insightful. But maybe just having the opportunity to chat to a stranger and decompress before saying farewell to his cousin was enough. I hope it was enough.
All the best with your life bus stop stranger.
We all need a place to tell our story. Whether it is to family, friends, psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, counsellors, our dogs, our cats, our God, or a stranger at a bus stop kind enough to listen when you're brave enough to share. That's why I write this blog. To share my story. And it certainly is not being read by many people, but it doesn't matter. I am brave enough to share. I love Brene Brown and this is a great quote from her book 'Braving the Wilderness'
"Belonging so fully to yourself that you're willing to stand alone is a wilderness -- an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking, a place as sought after as it is feared."
This blog is my wilderness. It is a place of solitude and searching. A soul searching for peace, love and joy. And her authentic truth.
It is an act of bravery to write my story. Everyone's story matters and deserves to be heard. Even mine and even bus guy's.
We all need a place to tell our story. Whether it is to family, friends, psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, counsellors, our dogs, our cats, our God, or a stranger at a bus stop kind enough to listen when you're brave enough to share. That's why I write this blog. To share my story. And it certainly is not being read by many people, but it doesn't matter. I am brave enough to share. I love Brene Brown and this is a great quote from her book 'Braving the Wilderness'
"Belonging so fully to yourself that you're willing to stand alone is a wilderness -- an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking, a place as sought after as it is feared."
This blog is my wilderness. It is a place of solitude and searching. A soul searching for peace, love and joy. And her authentic truth.
It is an act of bravery to write my story. Everyone's story matters and deserves to be heard. Even mine and even bus guy's.
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