PEERspective #1: Welcome Back!

Welcome Back! By Frank B.

Welcome Back!! As the world recovers slowly, but surely, this is a good time to take a look in the mirror and see how much you've grown and what a beautiful and changing person you really are.

I don't see someone broken,  unskilled, or lacking in knowledge but someone else could say they do.

"Get up, get a job, get a life," yeah right! Well the country is still recovering from the crash, unemployment is high. Not enough positions available (or even simple jobs to go around) but  there's plenty of work- a great job, in fact!

It pays great and  has long term benefits. You can set your own schedule, and be your own boss. Even if your day is spent at home taking care of life and its demands, or for whatever reason you don't have a "real job" you can still be an asset:

Just try to be a better person today than you were the day before. Be responsible; choose good things- take little, give more. Be honest with yourself, with others.  Speak kindly to the people you know, be polite to those you don't. Be frugal and look for simple ways to be content. Keep in mind the world can see you. I know I can always work to improve on how I look, and when my house is clean it reflects my happiness to others.  Keep your commitments, and respect the rules of society. It's ok to be different, and sometimes to even rub against the grain- but behave yourself.  Catch more flies with honey, the old saying goes....

Yesterday was rough, but it's over- today is tough, but I know tomorrow will be better.... And so will I.  A little better today than I was yesterday and I can see in myself what I see in others- a beautiful person capable of growth, able to change.

Frank is a Seattle native who grew up on the hill. As an individual who experienced time on the streets including homelessness, he believes in the value and importance of community.