Introspection

Today is a new day and another chance to take another step; toward any goals you may have. Yesterday was a good one. Met many people and have gained some clarity. I find it a waste of time to allow yourself to entertain the company of anyone on a continual basis, whom is not in a position, to add anything positive to your life or you as a person. I run from negative people. Energy positive or negative can be contagious.You make friends and acquaintances, but remain focused on goals.

There are very cunning people in this world. I have no desire to look down on anyone, however I find it useless to surround yourself with people who are not trying to move in the same direction you are going. Even if they have different desires and goals, as long as its positive that is a good thing. We each can truly do bad all alone, if that is a desire. I have met many people, some with good intentions and some bad.

I have had some funny events to transpire, since I relocated to Atlanta. I have been ever mindful to remain at peace within and to continue to smile. I think my kind and friendly demeanor makes some think I am easy or gullible. I like to help others, but must first help myself. Sometimes you have to say NO. I also see that because someone is nice to you, doesn't mean you must jump at the first opportunity presented. One cannot settle for what they do not desire.

While I do understand everyone goes through bad times, it would be ignorant to become involved with an individual ; who is in a worse situation than you are in and has a completely different mindset. It is good to form an alliance with people, while being mindful that there are boundaries that must be placed on things not significant to progress. One must seek improvement, while being aware that not everyone wants to improve their situation.

I have spoken with women who actually want a good paying job. They are not seeking a handout, but a hand up. Learning new skills is a must, when there have been so many jobs outsourced, it becomes difficult to obtain employment in your area of expertise. It also becomes difficult to find housing, when housing is not affordable. Some are truly seeking to better themselves and do not desire to have generations of repeated dependence on government assistance.

Some have said they want to use low income housing to place themselves in a place to be capable of having a life that is significantly better, than what they have been exposed to. We should seek to see beyond the obvious and try to understand another persons desires in life. It is not for us to judge or control another, but to learn and gain understanding.

Some women have stated they have had jobs, that were cut due to the economy. They also stated they have been subject to discrimination because of age. Many of us have very different circumstances. Not everyone, who is homeless, has mental health issues or is on drugs. I have spoken with some that say they don't even have a desire to receive disability. Many would like a better paying job, with benefits, to get a decent apartment in a better neighborhood.

I could clearly see from an old acquaintance, that drug use & mental health are closely related. I have seen many things, but watch to see how homelessness causes some to relapse. The desire to get off the streets and have a normal life contribute to stress. A girl had been clean for a few months, but stated she wanted to get high, because she wanted to be off the streets in her own place. I tried to encourage her, but she has to want it for herself.

Stigmas are placed upon individuals, that seek to acquire things differently than the norm. I have come across a few kind people that have helped me, since I have been in ATL. Some have been men without expecting anything in return. We cannot classify all people in the same category. There truly are still some good men and women out here.

I made a guy friend that was looking out for me. He introduced me to many of his friends, to have them look out for me, if I was in need. I appreciated it. However, he had a fondness for me that was not just for friendship. He is an older gentleman and has health issues. He is seeking something I cannot give. I will assist him and perhaps, become his temporary care giver, but nothing more.

I met a girl, that was seeking a friend. She was very knowledgeable about scripture, but had some underlying issues she was dealing with. She asked me to be her friend. I tried and she also had a motive. I have no desire to judge another person's sexual preference. I personally love men. I believe that is the correct order, although I cannot judge another for their preferences.

We should seek understanding in others, rather than to criticize. It is not for us to place judgment upon others, but to offer encouragement. Let us look beyond the obvious, while seeking to get a better understanding of their reality. I have known many people that claim goodness, but the heart shows the true self in us all.

I originally went to a shelter when I arrived. I applied to volunteer, until I found employment. I figured I could use my skills and help the organization, while I was there. They were seeking more adequate housing so that I may find suitable employment. One of the gentlemen refused to give me the referral, since I was speaking with a lady about my skills and housing.

I ended up leaving the shelter, because I was asked for sexual favors, by a man in the security department at the facility. I don't think a woman should offer sexual favors for a blanket, when the facility is paid to offer those items. Not all the men were that way. I left the facility two weeks ago, when a lady told me my things had already been stolen. I had professional attire. They were not job hunting and were not my size; it was done for meanness.

When people do ugly things, it comes back to them. I am thankful to be a single woman without any children. I can only imagine it is harder with a family. I offered to help a few women get their children back, or at least research the information needed for Georgia Laws. Some take kindness as a sign of weakness. God will be sure to give an abundance of material possessions. I have always had better and no doubt I will have again.

I honestly desire to help people. I have seen and experienced personally what man women in the streets need. A portion of the women and men truly need medical attention, for mental illness. At some point in life they have been hurt. They may not truly know how to ask for help, because of culture and upbringing.

Some shows signs of fear and are unable to open up to strangers. Being traumatized can cause increased fear and decrease communication skills.  can imagine with some of thee games that some have tried to run on me, they may not have been able to walk away. We each possess our own levels of tolerance. I get tired many days, but know that there is something better for me.

I cannot get comfortable in discomfort. The only way to help others is to be on track. There are many people that have lost hope. I find folks just need someone to care. I do, but have to make the right connections to make things happen. Sometimes I wish I could change the way I think. I was made with a big heart for a reason. It gets heavy at times.

I find that my desires have increased. We each need a support system to keep us on track. Unfortunately, I have not found that yet. I am seeking various groups with the same interests. I believe that will put me in a position to connect with the right people. One thing I do know is as long as I have determination in my body, all things are possible.

I care not what others think of my situation. I am fighting to survive. If I had to do it all over, I would leave Tennessee again. There was nothing there, that I know of. A marine told me what I am looking for is in Chattanooga or Knoxville. If that is the case, it will find its way to me, if it is what I truly desire.

I refuse to live my life for anyone else. Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, is mine to choose. If something is for me, I will receive it openly. I know I deserve better. I just have a desire to help a few people have better as well along my journey in life. No one can choose your portfolio in life, but they can add happiness to it.

I have met a few people that have placed a smile upon my face, even in my present situation. I am thankful for those people. Sometimes the one that encourages and motivates others, needs a little motivation themselves. My story will be told, once I sing out loud. Those who don't have confidence in me, lack confidence in themselves. Personally I do Not Care. LaTrice is happy from within and negative energy has no place in my life.

Although I have had to remove many people from my life, I still may one day associate with some of them. I better understand people, because I have seen many sides in my life. The time is now and let none tell you any different.

Till the next time, live and let live.