The Tao of Hitting Rock Bottom

Life Lessons Wandering the Streets of Chicago

“I’ve been fortunate to hit what you might call “rock bottom” twice in my relatively short life. I say fortunate because it was the growth I experienced and the lessons I learned—during the most challenging times in my life—that have enabled me to become the person I’ve needed to be, to create the life that I’ve always wanted.” 

Hal Elrod, Hal Elrod, The Miracle Morning

I read this excerpt in Hal’s book recently. It reminded me of September 7, 2019, when I was wandering the streets of Chicago looking for a place to sleep. I’d returned here on a one-way ticket because the Windy City has always felt like home, a place I lived for nearly 12 years.  

My 8-months of homelessness in San Diego and Las Vegas sucked. The 24-hour coffee house where I had to remain awake in order to avoid being kicked out. Walking aimlessly during the day toting my roller bag. Hoping that there was enough money on my debit card to purchase a cookie or some sunflower kernels. 

I had told myself that I knew people in Chicago, in particular my best friend of 20- years who had always extended me a room to stay whenever I was back for a visit to the city. This time, however, was different.

He agreed to meet me at an outdoor sports bar near the infamous Wrigley Field where we would catch up and discuss my predicament. Sure he was gracious enough, even buying me lunch. But the invite never came. 

He departed, promising to check in with me that evening to see if I was OK. But the call never came. So there I was left wandering around the streets of Chicago, including some dangerous parts, just trying to stay alive. 

But then the shocker came by way of an email from him at 2:32 pm the next day that I retrieved from my phone. It read: 

Michael,

It was good to see you yesterday too. Thanks for letting me know you are in town. How long do you plan to be around Chicago? Let me know.  

Also, this link might be helpful in looking for a place to sleep. 

That link was to a list of Chicago Homeless shelters. 

Then reality set in — my best friend had decided to diss me. I sat on a city park bench in disbelief. 

What I learned from this experience is that others are happily for you when things are going well in your life. But when things hit bottom, they are often nowhere to be found. 

I was completely on my own this time. It was so scary. But somehow, deep down inside, I knew that despite how bad my life was, I would turn things around

Now looking back, I can honestly say that this experience was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. With what I’ve learned, the change in my life has been nothing short of remarkable

A friend asked me the other day how I was able to get through this. What came out of my mouth surprised me. I told her, “All I knew to do was to continue walking.”  For in the spirit of the Tao Te Ching: 

A good traveler has no fixed plans

and is not intent upon arriving.

A good artist lets his intuition

lead him wherever it wants.

A good scientist has freed himself of concepts

and keeps his mind open to what is.