Monday Inspiration

I've been on a really good training session today. It was supposed to be about drug awareness but sort of ended up about one mans battle with addiction. This in many ways, was far better than any drugs awareness training I've attended in the past and I've attended a fair few over the past few years; safe injecting (not that I inject), drugs and withdrawal, toxicology etc etc, addiction issues etc etc.

In all the years of being around the opposite sex either on a relationship level, professional level, friendship level, I've never heard a man be so humbly open, honest and brutal about his own feelings, inadequacies, downfalls and failures albeit with positivity, hope, love and understanding.

Here in front of us all, stood a man that left home at 14 years old due to the aggressiveness and brutality of his drunken father.
Here was a man, who left Ireland for London and ended up living on the streets for over 12 years as both an alcoholic and drug addict.
Here was a man who so eloquently talked about the unconditional love his wife had for him, even though he felt unworthy of her love due to his low self -esteem, unconfidence and inner hate.
Here was a man who declared his past white lies and numerous people that had fucked with his head along the way.
Here was a man who preached about the importance of maintaining the virtues of compassion,love, hope and giving of ourselves in a non judgemental way.
Here was a man who, despite all the shit, managed to find the strength from within and with the help of friends and family, turned his life around.
Here was a man who now manages 2 homeless hostels sucessfully, has a caring relationship and shed loads of love and warmth to give to others.

His story was truly inspirational, sad but happy, negative but positive and reminded me that even when we're at the lowest of the low in our hearts and minds, with strength, admitting our faults but not dwelling on them, receiving love from others, we can always find a way out of the darkness.
His final comments about love and the decisions/actions we make in life were really touching and thought provoking.

On love -
"Unconditional love is as necessary as the air we breathe."

On our behaviours and actions -

"If you always do what you've done, you'll get what you've always got"

I dedicate this writing in his honour and I'm so grateful to have experienced his thoughts.