A Reflective Contemplation

A Reflective Contemplation

ALMS started the new year off with a roar! We made so many new friends during 2018 and there’s still so many of you we want to get to know.

ALMS is addressing barriers that keep young adults from overcoming their fears and knowing they can succeed and we know it includes working with the community of Woodland. Below is a poem written by one of our youth who found herself homeless at 17 years old. Currently, she is serving her community, attends college and understands that she is valued. As you read her words, know you can be a part of changing a life and building a vibrant community. She calls it “Inner Thoughts”.

• Why? After everything failed in my life, why am I alive?

• What is my purpose if I can’t seem to find my happiness?

• Am I destined to live in the ash while everyone I know has been lifted up?

• I could disappear many times and who would noticed? There is an overwhelming desire to just end it?

• The only question is what would end it? A knife, gun, or pills? What the heck, I am so much of a failure that I can’t even kill myself.

• These are the thoughts of a homeless depressed 18 year old. These are the thoughts of someone who lost all hope.

• Why? Why am I here? How did I get here? How did I become friends with these people? They are nothing like me. Am I a fraud? I don’t feel like I belong.

Should I try to reach out? Should I go to school? Why are these people so trusting? Don’t they know who I am? What I have done? These are the thoughts of the girl after joining ALMS. She never knew what would happen but she started to feel safe. But, she was still worried at 19 years old.

I am truly ready; at least I think I am ok. No one cares about my past. I know what I am doing; at least, I think I do. I am still nervous. What if this ends? What if this is a dream that I wake up from? No, that’s not right, I know I am awake. What if I fail at what I do or if I can’t handle school.

NO! It’s ok, I will take it in stride. I think I am finally ok. Bad things happen to everyone. I won’t worry about the little things. I’m settled and can only get better. I will admit I am scared, but I will take that leap of faith.

If I shoot for the moon and fall among the stars, at least I am out of this world. Gotta focus, no distractions. I am ready for what this world throws at me. My story is not over! ~

Jayne Williams

Executive Director