Michael,

Thank you for this thread. I enjoyed reading it, what an adventure you have had.

I believe the positive response to your plight came from your opening your heart and soul and taking responsibility for your plight. Your honesty and need touched hearts as we all are only a few steps from the same plight.

An accident, poor health, the economy,...we all are vulnerable to something and a helping hand blesses the giver as well.

Hope you are feeling better and are able to make all your dreams come true.

Try to make good on your old debts to family, guilt is a weight we are better off without.

Best of luck to you!


Just read your blog, a good first step. I believe you should keep it up as a form of self reflection and knowledge and therapy. We tend to see what we believe, and often we believe things that just are not true.

Relationships can be repaired, when you know where you went wrong, when you make amends and ask forgiveness.

I'm truly sorry you lost your job. I believe it is an opportunity to start a better more mindful life, thank God it didn't happen when your were much older.

One of the biggest employers here now tests for cigarette smoking and you can lose your benefits and your job for smoking cigarettes, being overweight, or not exercising! The world is changing fast, being self employed is the best bet for long term freedom and job security as we all age.

Stay mindful, hopeful and joyous, and blessings will come to you and those you interact with.