New Beginnings

“Cultivate an attitude of Gratitude though soulful thinking and spiritual discovery of self-worth” – Maria Sheridan 

Over two years now and I never would have imagined my life would be as it is today. 2012 had its highs and lows. I experienced awful circumstances; however, to me it was a starting point, a new beginning.

January 2012 I declared myself Homeless. I felt ashamed, I felt like a failure, I felt useless depressed, my confidence was just trashed.

I thought I’m not a drug addict, I’m not a drinker, I’m not a battered wife, I’m not a mental Health patient so I’ll be put into a B&B….I was wrong. I was put into a Hostel. It was so dirty, grim, dark, draining and flea ridden I’m sure, just an awful place.

The frightening part was the fact that most of the people in the initial Hostel I stayed in were indeed people who needed support with addictions or how to cope with illness etc. I did not fit that category as I don’t have to deal with those issues. I felt out of my depth, I was homeless in in a state of transition not homeless in a state of being.

My experiences of being in that first place were not very pleasant, I was scared, and whilst I found ways to help keep me positive and have a good sense of humor about it all, I kept hitting brick walls. I had a few experiences that really frightened me and very nearly broke my spirit. I witnessed young girls taking drugs. It was the straw that broke the Camel’s back.

On the 19th of Jan 2012 I called Dublin SCC Homeless Unit and told them I could not do this anymore and that I’d rather be on the streets. The Girl looking after me there asked for me not to take any action and that she would get back to me. That Thursday, the 19th, I was placed into the arms of Crosscare.

What I have gained from this experience (and I will go into more detail on this) is far beyond any riches or accolades. I have now a home, I have a wonderful daughter who loves me, a wonderful supportive family, amazing friends, great faith and support from my Church, self-awareness, confidence, and I breathe life and love it!  

It is said everything begins with a desire, everything begins with a thought and the belief in that thought is very powerful indeed then comes the blueprint and the creation. I have a Desire for life! I also have a huge desire to write a book, a formula so to say, a process in which to help you gain and assist you in your gaining your attitude of gratitude.  In 2003 I climbed Carrauntoohil for Charity for the 2003 Special Olympics held in Ireland. Carrantuohill is the highest peak in Ireland. Located in County Kerry, it is 1,038 metres high and is the central peak of the Macgillycuddy Reeks range. We climbed up the Devils Face which is pretty steep up and down! (Quite frightening). On the way there and back from the summit, we had to cross a creek and there where stepping Stones. Each step was a challenge as each stepping stone was different in size shape and diameter.  This memory and thought came to me as I was writing, in all my experience I have been though, it was Gratitude that saw me through. Gaining a Gratitude Attitude takes commitment, each step is different and presents a different set of tasks, and each step takes on a different shape with its own particular challenges. I therefore have written “12 Stepping stones, (12 Chapters) to gaining a Gratitude Attitude” this also presents a step for each month of the year this only being the subtitle. My Books Main Title is undecided, however non-the-less well and truly on the way. Watch this Space.