Surviving 164 Sleepless Hours In Vegas

My Eye-Opening Lesson In 'The Art of War'"

This is an actual photo of me at the Cosmopolitan Resort Starbucks in Las Vegas

Imagine finding yourself in a situation with seemingly no escape, a time of despair and hopelessness. This was my reality in 2019 having arrived in Las Vegas after a breakup with my then partner and significant other in San Diego. 

The adventure quickly turned sour, leaving me wandering the Vegas Strip, virtually penniless and unhoused. In a desperate move, I chose the opulent Cosmopolitan Resort as my refuge – a 24-hour haven where I could blend into the crowd with my meager belongings and $55.90.

"Keep moving, it's all going to be OK," I reassured myself, until the reality of my situation hit – where would I sleep? 

The Cosmopolitan, like other casinos on the Strip, strictly prohibits public sleeping. The first night went smoothly until sleep deprivation caught up with me around 3 a.m. A brief lapse into sleep resulted in an abrupt awakening by resort security. 

Their inquiry about my reservation was met with an honest 'I don’t have one,' leading to a lighthearted moment as they compared me to Michael Scott from "The Office." The compromise was simple – I could stay in the public casino areas, but only if I remained awake.

What followed were 164 grueling hours of wakefulness, punctuated by a brief respite in a movie theater. Later reflecting on this ludicrous experience later that year when I finally landed on my feet, I delved into the Canterbury Classic version of  Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," an ancient Chinese book and military treatise that offers profound insights into life's internal battles.

Sun Tzu's wisdom resonated deeply with my Vegas ordeal. "All warfare is based on deception," he says. My survival in Vegas hinged on a strategic, subtle presence, especially during quiet hours when the crowds thinned. The high security of the Strip meant constant vigilance to avoid detection.

The chaos of Vegas, however, also presented unique opportunities. Sun Tzu's observation that "In the midst of chaos, there is opportunity" became apparent as I encountered fascinating people, leading to unexpected interviews and even a small offer of project work from an L.A. advertising executive who was in town for a conference.

Another lesson from Sun Tzu is the importance of embracing rather than battling difficult circumstances. "The greatest victory is that which requires no battle." I chose to accept and learn from my predicament, realizing it was a transient phase of life.

Sun Tzu also advised careful deliberation. A friend's recommendation led me to Julie in North Las Vegas, a kind stranger who offered me a brief period of shelter. It taught me the value of pausing and pondering before dismissing potential solutions out of hand.

Throughout my ordeal, maintaining a calm, detached demeanor was crucial, as Sun Tzu suggests. Despite frustrations and anger, I remained composed, understanding that losing control could lead to dire consequences.

"Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt," advises Sun Tzu. This was particularly relevant as I dealt with suicidal thoughts and despair, choosing to keep my troubling plans to myself while navigating through this challenging period.

Finally, Sun Tzu's notion that "Victorious warriors win first in their minds, and then go to war" became a guiding principle. Amidst despair, I held onto the belief of eventual victory, realizing the transformative power of mindset in overcoming life's battles.

My 'Sleepless in Vegas' experience, while foolish, offered a unique perspective on life's challenges through the lens of Sun Tzu's timeless wisdom. It was a testament to the power of endurance, strategic thinking, and the resilience of the human spirit.

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