What’s your dream?
Hollywood, California – 2 AM
It was with great purpose and urgency that I strided from the sidewalk through the parking lot of a local Jack in the Box. I needed several bottles of water and a urinal. Stat. It was after a show at the Hollywood Palladium and we all agreed to pause for refreshment and wait for an Uber.
I stumbled into the restroom and was greeted by a homeless man. We exchanged pleasantries as I relieved myself of the whiskey in my system. Below is a brief recap of our conversation:
#timtears: “Hey Dude” [begins to wonder if Jack in the Box has a bathroom attendant]
man in bathroom: “Hello, sir. How are you this evening”
#timtears: “Good. And you?” [internally begin to craft response about how I don’t have any cash]
man in bathroom: “Not too good. It’s been rough going lately.”
#timtears: “I’m sorry to hear that. I hope things get better” [recognizes the authenticity in his voice and begin to listen]
man in bathroom: “They will get better. Once you have hit a point so low in your life, there is nowhere to go but up. You know that you can never reach that low again and that things will get better.”
#timtears: “That’s so true”
man in bathroom: “You know what I am talking about. You have been there before, I can see it in your eyes.”
#timtears: [actively listening]
man in bathroom: “And if you have direction.. and know what you want… and the confidence to know you can survive anything, you can do anything.”
#timtears: [in shock]
man in bathroom: “I see it in you. You can do anything.”
We talked for a few more minutes about life and possibilities. He did not ask for food, money or even to hand me a paper towel. I left the bathroom and Jack in the Box in shock. First, at my own preconceptions and judgements that nearly blinded me to being truly present for this conversation. How often do we dismiss others based on appearance or social constructs? Secondly, by the message that was delivered. Total trust that everything happens as it should. Confidence in his own inner strength to push through adversity. Belief that those two things coupled with direction will allow you to accomplish anything.
#timtears 
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