THE JOYS OF BEING BROKE, HOMELESS & AN ENTREPRENEUR

1. You stop being influenced by your old crowd of people. The one thing you are required to attend is NA: Narcotics Anonymous. The 12 Step Approach to becoming more than addict is transforming to those who deal with addiction, dealt with addiction, and have moved on but need the support group to continue to grow.

People, Places and Things: We all have addictions in our lives, no matter how much money you make, invest, and/or create opportunities.

My addiction was EGO. Yes Ego, not in the way you think, it was the silent voice inside my head and heart saying I was better than them, but it is not until now I realized that I needed the humility and grace to understand we ALL have issues.

2. Because of number 1, you will IGNORE the number of people that HURT you.

3. You will find out who is fake and flashy and who is the real friend who stands by your side through thick and thin. Remember those pesky marriage vows, well, the reason for SO many divorces is the communication and commitment. Just like marriages, business relationships are grounded in trust and forgiveness up to a certain point.

4. Meat consumption goes down and fresh vegetables start to taste better. Yes, rice beans, and other exotic spices become appealing. Food is the energy to the body. They say it is the way to a Man's heart is a Woman's cooking; therefore, it is the creativity of the Woman who allows the Man to flourish.

5. You will work more, but sleep less. If you work for someone else as an employee, an independent contractor, and/or small business owner, You are a slave to either your employer, contract, and/or time. I want neither. Yes, businesses are about contracts, but systems and automated and delegated outsourced tasks are a better way to use your most valuable asset and liability: time.

6. You will start to take better care of yourself. This is variable accordingly; however, you need time to heal from this traumatic event. Improve your outlook on life. Come to a place that brings you peace and inner joy.

7. Tomato Sauce seems to last longer and goes well with everything. You will learn how to stretch your resources to the maximum limit. You learn everything is expendable and nothing is as important people and experiences, not things of worthless value.

8. You come up with truly creative ideas and life hacks. As an entrepreneur, you look for solutions to your problems, and while it is understandable you complain about your circumstances, you need to own up to your actions and consequences of those decisions you make every moment.

9. You understand the 15 miles that your father had to walk to get a bus. While Septa is available, you will learn how to walk, ask for rides, and wait for others.

10. You look at others less fortunate and feel grateful. Now here is that ego thing I was referring to, look no one cares about why you are where you are. They will take notice on where you are going, not where you have been. Stop throwing a PITY PARTY. No one ever likes a whiner.

11. Since you are less in demand, you concentrate on you and what you dream to do. Getting your priorities straight during this time is a unexpected gift, serenity you need to seek, but it is the journey, not the final end destination that is crucial.

12. You realize that the approval of others is pointless. You stop pleasing others. Be selfish to preserve yourself. No one will take care of you, if you don't care of yourself. It is necessary for you to ensure survival.

13. You find joy in small things and are in need of staying more positive. Joy is both good and bad. Learn how to be abase and learn how to be abound. Learn is wealth is what you learn and experience. not what you attain and hoard.

14. You call your parent(s) more often. Yes, stay in communication with your parent(s). It is they who sacrificed their life to raise you in some way. Those who have a broken home. Keep in touch with those who you trust.

15. You actually start saving money. This may be slow and steady. Do not spend foolishly. Learn how to buy what you need, not what you desire.

16. Your ego takes a battering, but the result is a good case of humility. Humility is a gift you will hate, but learn how to accept.

17. You remember what inspired you and take the time to hone new skills and in turn learn that "you" are the true source of  your motivation. Yes learn how use your strengths and improve upon your weaknesses.

18. You spend less time on FB and more time on LI. Connect with inspirational people. Connect with opportunities.

19. You finally get assertive and stop being stomped on. If you don't you will end up in the same place again. Learn from failure. Failure is a tool for success.

20. You start writing lists on LI :)