A street person (formmer) asks?

Question

I lived on the streets for about 4 years . In that time I came accross a lot of society's worst people in the world. Drug dealers police (crooked ones) etc and people who were the best also strangely drug dealers and prostitues. It changed my view of human nature society and everything with it.It wasn't the worst expierence of my life either (another shock to me). I had fun at times , I travelled I met incredible people etc.
So what am I asking? Is there anyway I can consider myself one of the normal people anymore? Society 's constructs are all gone as absolute reality for me - my view of life is completely different and my view of the human animal is too.I just can't take the problems of people all that seriously anymore.Profesionals institutions and all the rest are a bit of a laugh. I have a university degree and was once very much part of the "society" and am again -sort of- but this time around I feel I am just faking it to make others feel better.

Answer 1

Do something to help someone!You have been given a full spectrum of experience.You have a realization a lot of people don't have and probably won't have until way into the sunset of their life.You have an idea of what is important to you.
Stand fast and continue learning and teaching.
And please remember, the lifestyle you have just left can be a trap.You have learned what you need to learn from that.There is no need to go back.You got out alive and whole.You may not be so fortunate next time.
All those old timers you met were just like you at one time.They just went back one time too often.
The best to you.
Congratulations.

Answer 2

What is normal Jim? Is there really anything normal. I believe there are just levels to life. When you were on the street, that was normal to you and the people you interacted with. But my life is normal to me and the people I interact with consider it the same. My next door neighbor may not agree as they are on a different level. I think the word normal is overrated and overused.
Consider yourself fortunate. You have gone way way over to the other side, or different level and back. You now have an in site to human nature that most of us will never be privy too. Believe it or not this gives you one up on the people you now interact with. You have now chosen to operate your life on a different level and that's going to take some getting use too. The adjustment could take a while. Eventually you will find your comfort zone and things that are out of kilter right now will once again seem "normal". I hope you take all the knowledge you have gained from your experience and put it to good use. Sit down and make notes about your life on the street so the memories don't fade. Maybe one day you can write a book. I wish you the best.

Answer 3

Aa Ronald Regan once said " How can you experience the bottom of the valley if you have never been to the top of the mountain" At least you've learnt all the object lessons of what you don't want, so nows the time to choose again and make a contribution that goes onto survive you after you die, all the rest is BS as you've found out! So look at all the education and values you've gained, create a job for yourself with those and learn to specialise ;) consider teaching kids in schools as a consultant / contributer. Theres nothing like direct experience and thats the only way humans learn anyway!

Answer 4

Are there really normal people in society? Can you spread your wisdom and compassion to others? Be yourself and know that everyone in this society can learn from each other through example.Your enlightened experience can benefit so many. Embrace the people around you and know there is beauty in everyone not just the ones living in the streets. Create your happiness with others. It is possible. Anything is.

Answer 5

Ah Yes! Reality! If you are approaching it with eyes and mind wide open, just remember to do so with understanding! You must also acquire a very real sense of self in order to guard against having it infringe upon your well-being. Always remember to be yourself and do what you feel/think is right. This knowledge within yourself will keep you strong. And remember...the trivial and the superficial are reality as well and should be dealt with the same!

Answer 6

look as some one that has been their (not 4 years it only took about a year for me to decide i didn't like it) your right all the s!@t that most people are whining about is really kinda trivial most of us know we will eat tonight you know what i mean . but hear is a freedom you have that they don't be you OK you know if it all gos to hell in a hand basket you will be OK you have seen the bottom the only way to go is up and if you fall so what you have been their before hell you probably got Friends their. In answer to your ? yes you can be a part of society's norm without faking it you gust have the advantage of knowing most of it really is BS.

Answer 7

There are many different areas of society you are just intelligent enough to see past the 'fake' and know there is more out there than what 'normal' society sees.I am impressed with you and your world of knowledge. be proud of who you are, don't forget what you have seen and learned and remember always there are worse off than you, why because you have been there, you are lucky. What is 'normal' anyway? be unique, be you...reality is your own, don't lose that.

Answer 8

Jim, you are much, much more than normal. I think you have the kind of view of humanity that not many of us will ever have, and though it may separate you from others a little bit, try and overcome it but don't ever destroy it ... your experiences seem to have made you a much wiser person.

Answer 9

Sure you can...it just may take some time. Kudos for picking yourself up off the pavement, but there is definitely more to do. Perhaps you can use what you now know to help someone else.

Answer 10

Sounds to me like you're better than normal, kid. Live your life how you want it and you'll be way better off than the stiffs in the suits.