This may be the most important section and the reason I put it this far in the book is because I wanted to make sure that your basic needs were met first.  

I'd like to start by explaining how we are to relate ourselves to the law of vibration just as we relate ourselves with the law of gravity. You wouldn't just walk off the edge of a building because you understand that gravity would have you falling and hurting yourself.  

When you have emotions, it is energy in motion.  The vibrations of molecules in our bodies are directly related to our emotions and our thoughts. Just as sound waves travel through the air, the vibrations from your thoughts and emotions also travel through the air, or more precisely, the ether.  

Have you ever walked in a room and felt the tension of anger without anyone saying anything? You can just feel the thickness in the air. There's a term that people would say "it's as thick as pea soup in here."  

When you come across someone who has a depressed attitude and is complaining about things and down all the time, no matter how happy you feel, you end up feeling sad as well.

It's because we, as humans, tune our vibrations with our thoughts and emotions so when you are sharing thoughts via words with someone, you are actually sharing your emotions via vibrations as well.  

When you are sad and depressed, you have a low frequency which attracts other things and beings into your life with the same vibration. Which keeps you in that particular frequency.  That's how you end up with clicks at school.  

When you look around, you see groups of people together and they tend to look similar in their own groups. It is because vibrations bring in like vibrations.  

My point is, you are in control of your thoughts, that is the one thing that nobody can ever change. You have control of your mind and where you put your attention and what you think about. The words you tell yourself are very important as your brain will believe what it's told.  

If you think that doesn't seem right, answer this; why is it that you will believe something untrue about you that is negative over something that is true and positive?  Why is it easier to believe negative things about yourself?

Sometimes when our brains are growing through our younger years, they get programmed with a bug. Sometimes it's an accident because the parents didn't know any better because they were programmed with a bug.  

You can debug yourself; you can change the programming. You do not have to go with the flow when you get an emotion. You can acknowledge the emotion but don't dwell in it if it's negative. Find out why you're having the emotion, and deal with the issue.  

When you are constantly thinking of negative things and dwelling on negative things, it will continually make you have emotions and when you have an emotion, you have a chemical that is released in your brain.  The chemical is an amino acid. When you have strong negative emotions repeatedly, your brain, specifically your amygdala will become addicted to those amino acids that are released during your emotions.

Same goes for happy emotions, your amygdala gets addicted to them. So, if you were to try to change your thoughts and your words to yourself, and you were to go from negative to positive, your amygdala will start to panic and start throwing out negative things to say so that you will have an emotional reaction, giving “her” the amino acids she craves.  

Sound's crazy, right? 

Let me explain this better by painting a picture of how the brain works, well, how the limbic system works.  I got the idea when researching but can't find the example again. I wrote what I remember, plus added some embellishments for fun. 

Okay, let's pretend the amygdala is a customer at a restaurant in a big city called The Thinking Brain. Her name is Amy G Dala, a lady who knows what she wants.  The thalamus, just Al their friends, are like conjoined twins, silent door greeters, no judgments there, so they believe. But I think the years of being door greeters have had some effect on them even if they don't admit it.   

The hypothalamus, mentioned earlier, is a bilingual waiter. We'll call him HP Thalamus, a nice guy from far away working for his father, the cook to pay for college.  

The endocrine system, Doc, is the cook and he doesn't speak the same language as the customer. 

Our customer orders up some feelings. Our waiter, HP thalamus, takes the order and translates it into his native language that his father Doc, the endocrine system, can understand.  

Doc then creates a meal from chemicals called amino acids which are then served up as emotions to give Amy the desired feelings.  That all sounds wonderful, doesn't it?  

What if I told you they were an unregistered restaurant that doesn't pay taxes but is responsible for the moods and the attitudes of the city people?  No one in the city has control. It's like the mafia; they just have to deal with it the best they can.  

So, when you wonder why a particular thought just popped in your head that made you have a feeling, understand that it is not something that you just did on your own. Your brain has taken control. You can get that control back, sort of. It's a lot like taking a dangerous item from a child and replacing it with a safer, age-appropriate toy to keep them from crying.  

When you notice that a negative thought enters your mind that you did not consciously put there (or even if you did), that is the time to grab a piece of paper and a pen and write down the things that you are grateful for... but don't just write them down with your pen or pencil, write it with your feelings!  

Actually feel your heart swell with gratitude at the thoughts of the things that you're grateful for in this life.  Those "feels" that you get from thinking about how grateful you are and how blessed you are for having a family, a roof over your head, friends, a job, etc., are all amino acids. They are healthy amino acids that you can force upon your brain so that your amygdala will become addicted to them instead of negative ones.

When you become addicted to the amino acids caused by happy and grateful feelings, it will be hard to go back to sad feelings.  When you are in a happy state for extended periods and something unfortunate happens, you will find you don't get as miserable as you would have had you not put yourself in the attitude of gratitude repeatedly.  That brings us to how we feel about ourselves. 

 Humans have such a good heart for others that they would rather tell a lie than to hurt someone's feelings. Like when a stranger bumps into you, spilling your coffee and you say, "oh, I'm sorry" or when they apologize first you say, "it's ok".  Now think about when you have made a mistake. You probably cursed at yourself or said some mean things to yourself. Saying "you’re so stupid! What were you thinking?".  You wouldn't talk that way to a friend or even a stranger so why would you say those things to yourself?  You matter too. When it comes to self-evaluation, it isn't you condemning yourself or praising yourself, it is just a moment to reflect on your day/week/month/etc.  You need not put any feeling into reflecting. It's fun to pretend that you are the player of a sim, and you are evaluating your performance.  See where you could improve and also see where you excelled so that you can be subconscious and conscious of doing your best. Writing down your evaluations and observations will allow you to track your improvements. It is hard to put yourself in a past mindset if you have emotionally evolved so when you do journaling, you have the ability to see yourself advancing.   The Power of Gratitude: Integrating gratitude into your self-evaluation can be transformative. As you reflect on your day, make it a point to identify not just where you could improve or where you excelled, but also where you found joy or what you're thankful for. This can shift your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life, making the self-evaluation process more uplifting and less about self-critique. The Growth Mindset Angle: Adding the concept of a growth mindset to your self-evaluation routine can be enlightening. This means seeing challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities to grow and learn. When you evaluate your actions and decisions, frame your mistakes as learning opportunities. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” rather than beating yourself up. This perspective encourages resilience and a positive outlook on personal development. Set Small, Achievable Goals: As part of your reflection, consider setting small, achievable goals based on your evaluation. These goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By setting these goals, you're not just reflecting on past actions but also actively planning steps for improvement. It’s like turning your self-evaluation into a game where you level up by achieving these mini-goals. Compassionate Accountability: While it’s important to be kind to yourself, also practice compassionate accountability. This means holding yourself accountable for your actions in a gentle way. Acknowledge where you’ve fallen short, but instead of self-criticism, offer yourself understanding and kindness. Then, commit to specific steps to do better next time. This balances self-compassion with the motivation to grow. Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small: Sometimes, we overlook our small victories because we’re too focused on the big picture. During your self-evaluation, make it a point to celebrate your wins, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement can boost your morale and motivation. 

Mindfulness and Self-Care: Lastly, remember that self-care is paramount. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can enhance your self-evaluation process by fostering a calm and clear state of mind. This makes it easier to reflect objectively and kindly on your actions and decisions. 

That's where time management comes in. Scheduling your time to journal allows you to have the time to do it. If you just wing it, and write when you can, oftentimes days will go by, and you will forget all about it. Managing your time is essential if you have goals, dreams or other projects that have an expiry date. If you do not manage your time wisely, you will end up wasting your time with "busy work" which makes you feel like you are accomplishing "things" but those "things" don't add value to your life.   Such as checking email and/or social media accounts every 15 to 20 minutes.  Or, when you need to get a report done but suddenly remember that you need to wash towels. Or when you have a heavy workload online but insist that your living room needs to be rearranged in order to create flow to work.  Those are all personal examples of my own procrastination styles. I'm not just the author, I am my own audience. Choose to sit down for a few minutes on the weekend to plan out the next week's activities to best make use of your time. Planning is better when you know how you work best.  I, personally, like to do physical work in the a.m., leaving my mental work for the evenings. During the day I like to spend time exercising, implementing strategies and planning for the future.   Block out times where you have the most energy to take on the bigger projects. Finding your perfect schedule will take time and a little observation of your energy levels.  Don't schedule time to wash a car when at that time you are usually feeling lazy. Such as right after lunch. Try to schedule tasks according to how you usually feel through the day. It may mean you need to spend the first week with a notebook, writing down your energy levels during the day to get a good picture to start you off. Try to schedule in a 5–10-minute break every 50 minutes, even just to get up and move around the room if you have been sitting or standing too long. The opposite if you are doing a physically demanding job; sit for a few, rest.  Just as you make sure to show up to an appointment, make sure you treat your plans with the same respect. Treat your time like you pay for it. Treat your body like it's your only one. Drawing boundaries help here. You can find Boundaries in the Relationship section. 

Your body is the vehicle through which your soul experiences life in all its richness, both internally and externally. When you keep it in prime condition, you unlock the potential for an extraordinary journey, filled with vibrant experiences and profound sensations.

Yet, if you've overlooked or never learned the crucial aspects of maintaining your 'vehicle' as it was meant to be, let this be your guiding light. Remember, you are beyond value.

Embrace the Philosophy of Wholeness: Your body is not just a collection of parts but a complete system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are interconnected. Nurturing each aspect enhances your overall well-being, allowing you to live fully and deeply.

Nutrition as Fuel: Just as quality fuel keeps a car running smoothly, the right nutrients power your body. Invest in whole, unprocessed foods that nourish and replenish, enabling your systems to operate at their best. Imagine each meal as an investment in your body's longevity and vitality.

Movement for Maintenance: Regular physical activity is akin to routine maintenance for a vehicle. It keeps the engine running efficiently, prevents rust, and ensures longevity. Find joy in movement that resonates with you, be it dancing, hiking, yoga, or sports, to keep your body agile and your spirit uplifted.

Rest and Repair: Just as vehicles need downtime for maintenance, your body requires rest. Quality sleep acts as a repair workshop where damages are fixed, systems are rebooted, and energy is replenished. Prioritize sleep and relaxation as non-negotiable elements of your maintenance routine.

Mindfulness and Emotional Care: The interior of your vehicle—the dashboard, seats, and controls—matters as much as the engine. Similarly, mental and emotional health is crucial. Practices like meditation, journaling, and therapy can help maintain your inner wellbeing, ensuring the driver (your soul) has a pleasant and safe experience.

Preventative Measures: Just as vehicles undergo regular checks to prevent issues, preventive healthcare is vital. Regular check-ups, screenings, and listening to your body’s signals allow for early intervention and care, ensuring your vehicle stays in top condition for the long haul.

Community and Connection: Surround yourself with a community that uplifts and supports you. Just as a car might need a team of mechanics, we thrive with the support of friends, family, and professionals who care for our well-being.

Sustainability and Respect for the Environment: Just as we seek to reduce the environmental impact of our vehicles, consider how your lifestyle choices impact the world around you. A lifestyle that respects and protects our planet reflects the care you have for your body and your journey through life.

Treat your body with the reverence it deserves, as if you've invested your very soul in it—because, in essence, you have. By adopting a holistic approach to maintenance, you not only honor this incredible vessel but also ensure that the journey of your soul is rich, vibrant, and fulfilling.

Remember, you are not just maintaining a vehicle; you are nurturing the sacred connection between your physical existence and the profound adventures it enables. Your care and attention to this divine instrument amplify the beauty and depth of your life's experiences.

When you think of your brain, the one nestled in your skull probably springs to mind first. However, have you ever considered that most of your "feelings" might actually originate from what's referred to as your second brain?

Nestled within the lining of our gut, this second brain is responsible for the flutter of butterflies you experience when you're near someone you're fond of, or the sinking feeling that signals you're in trouble. This isn't just poetic or metaphorical language; there's a scientific foundation to these sensations. This gut brain, I suspect, served as our original brain, safeguarding us from dangers that our conscious mind couldn't yet grasp.

Scientifically recognized as the enteric nervous system (ENS), this network comprises millions of neurons that line our gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum. Remarkably, the ENS operates independently but in communication with the brain in your head, influencing not just digestion but mood and emotional well-being. It's why that gut-wrenching sensation, when something feels amiss, can sometimes seem almost prescient, tapping into the quantum field in ways our cranial brain might miss.

The ENS and the brain communicate via the vagus nerve, a critical part of the parasympathetic nervous system. This connection explains how stress can impact gut health and, conversely, how gut health can influence our mental state. It's a bi-directional highway, with traffic flowing both ways.

For optimal performance from both brains, nourishing your body becomes paramount. This means prioritizing a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods that provide essential nutrients without the burden of artificial additives. Foods high in fiber, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for maintaining the health of the gut-brain axis.

Emerging research suggests that this gut-brain connection plays a role in a myriad of conditions, from autoimmune diseases to mental health disorders. It underscores the ancient wisdom that eating well is fundamental not just to physical health but to emotional and cognitive well-being too.

So, the next time you experience "a gut feeling" about something, remember, it's your body's sophisticated way of communicating between your two brains, each playing a vital role in your overall health and intuition. By nurturing your gut with the right nutrients, you're not just taking care of your body; you're taking care of your mind and soul too.

Having the incredible responsibility and privilege of owning such a complex organic machine such as a human body must leave you with questions. 

What do I feed it?

How do I best care for it?

What if it breaks down?  

The answer might be as close as your garden, or perhaps an organic farmer's market. Our bodies are ingeniously designed to thrive on the simplest forms of fuel. There's no need to rely on foods laden with an encyclopedia's worth of ingredients when only the first few items are recognizable as real food. The rest? They're mainly additives and fillers, offering no benefits to your magnificent organic machine. 

If you were trusted with the world's most valuable computer, would you just download any old thing off the world wide web? You wouldn't even do that with your own personal computer, (hopefully) so, why would you feed your body just any old thing off the worldwide shelves of supermarkets? 

Knowing which whole foods can treat and or heal illness, mind fog, insomnia, rashes, etc., will give you a much better chance of keeping yourself healthy in the long term.  I believe when we choose to treat our symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs, we are inviting our system to crash. Food is bioavailable all on its own, most drugs are not and require extra ingredients and adjusting the dosage for time release, coatings and fillers as most of the dosages are so small, they need to add stuff to make it big enough to sell.  What I'm saying is that the magnificent sentient being you call "me", needs to be treated as such. MAGNIFICENTLY! 

When we consume ingredients that are not necessary, our bodies are not quite sure how to deal with them. They may try to use it but find it clogs their sensors, so you are not notified of a system failure until you smell smoke.  

Metaphorically speaking, of course.  >If you really smell smoke, please pause to remember if you were cooking something.  

Over time, the seemingly tiny portions of "poison" from over processed foods builds up in the body, wreaking havoc. But, like a frog in a frying pan, you won't notice the subtle changes your body goes through, mostly because it affects your brain.  Also, because it has become normalized to become a diabetic or have other issues with our health and labeled as "it runs in my family" because that in itself is a not quite true. Just because your parents and or grandparents/great grandparents had a health issue does not automatically mean it's in the genes or runs in the family. It is the same bad habits generation after generation that lead to the health issue that "run in the family".  

I bet if you were to go back four or five generations, you would not see those issues. Complex diagnosis like diabetes/high blood pressure/hypothyroidism has become more and more prevalent in families that focus on the brown food group.  

What's the brown food group, you ask? It's fried food.  Have you ever noticed that all deep-fried food has the same color and mostly texture too? Layered and saturated in saturated fats. 

But I can use plant oil, isn't that good for me? 

No, unfortunately, not for deep frying. It is not meant to be consumed in such high amounts. It's one thing to lightly oil a pan (with vegetable oil) to fry veggies but, to have them swim in it is a whole 'nother story. When I did my last deep fry session, I noticed that out of a quart of oil, I'd be short about 1/4 of a cup when I was done. That made me realize that the amount missing is divied up amongst these seven or eight eggrolls I fried. 

Eating as simple foods as possible will benefit your body, mind and future. And don't forget to stay hydrated, because as you know, your body is mostly water and because your frequencies travel faster in water.  If you are too dehydrated, not much can move through you, and that includes poo.  

Yeah, we are going to talk about poo. Poo, stool, poop, caca, shit, it all is so very important.  

Important? How? 

Your stool can tell you when things in your body need attention. There are several interesting but funny descriptions I found on the Nebraska Medicine website: If your poop presents it's self as "separate hard lumps" you are constipated. If it is "sausage-shaped but lumpy" you are mildly constipated.

If you are lucky enough to excrete "sausage-shaped with cracks on its surface" you are healthy. You are also healthy if your poop resembles a snake, "smooth and soft".  All these types remain intact when flushed. If you are changing the water to some undesirable color, there may be an issue with your diet.

Water should not come out of your but, unless you are having an enema. (That's where water gets shoved up your butt, with your consent, to clean out your colon.)  Very refreshing, I hear. 

If you have any dark red blood in your poo, contact a doctor right away. If it is brightly colored and accompanied by hard stool, it could be a rectal tear and will heal on its own.  Drink more water.

If it is bright red and accompanied by soft stools, contact a doctor right away.  Looking at your waste before flushing can alert you to issues before they become troublesome. It's not gross, it's natural. What's gross is taking a picture to show your friends.  

While we are still thinking about a healthy bowel movement, (if you just finished the chapter above) let's talk about health movement in general.

Are you getting enough cardio during the day?  I'm not talking about joining the gym, I'm talking about just good old-fashioned day of housekeeping, errands, recreation and more. It doesn't have to be a structured cardio activity, but it can be if you want.

What's important to get your heart rate above normal for a period of at least 45 minutes per day.  This, eating whole foods and drinking enough water will help keep you in working order for years to come. It's when we stop moving that we develop rust or moss in the form of various health issues.  

A rolling stone gathers no moss. A phrase I have come to love as it symbolizes the growth of ill health in our physical world due to the online world, where it is best viewed while sitting or standing still.  We have automated our jobs to free us of the constant demand of our personal time, yet we use the time we saved to sit and scroll. We have forgotten the reason for automation; so, we can live our lives more fully.  

Staring at a screen is not living. It's just being entertained while waiting to die. Living is where you move your body, exercise your mind and challenge yourself to grow.  It's where you take calculated risks and strive to reach goals other people only dream of. Life is meant for pushing the boundaries of science, of discovery and innovation. That is best achieved when you are not staring at a screen. 

So, take walk backwards and read a book at the same time. Challenge your mind to do something out of the ordinary but do it safely. You do only have one life and one body. Use them wisely but don't squander the awesome opportunity to do the impossible.  

Like the late Bob Proctor said: If you can hold it in your mind, you can hold it in your hand. The thoughts we think are responsible for the results we are getting.

Don't underestimate your potential. 

The act of breathing is so automatic that we rarely give it a second thought. Yet, the way we breathe holds profound power over our mental and physical health. Your breath can indeed instruct your brain on how to behave, acting as a subtle conductor of your emotional and physiological state.For instance, the natural instinct to take a few sharp inhales followed by a long exhale after crying is a primitive calming mechanism. This pattern signals to the brain that it's time to transition from distress to calm.

Purposeful breathwork is a potent tool for influencing your state of mind. Engaging in various breathing techniques can help identify the most effective method for your needs. Incorporating breathwork into your morning routine, perhaps alongside affirmations, can fortify your spirit and align your intentions for the day ahead.

Properly preparing for your day through mindful breathing significantly enhances your chances of success. It heightens your awareness of your energy and equips you to fend off the inevitable negativity encountered throughout the day.

The Science of Breathing: Breathing is vital for delivering oxygen to every cell in your body. Stress often leads to shallow breathing, limiting oxygen intake and quick exhales, which can starve your body of essential life force. Chronic shallow breathing has been linked to a range of health issues, including dry mouth, exacerbated respiratory conditions, and even cardiovascular problems.

Scientific research underscores the importance of deep, diaphragmatic breathing. This type of breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is responsible for the body's 'rest and digest' responses, counteracting the stress-induced 'fight or flight' reactions of the sympathetic nervous system.

Practical Steps for Mindful Breathing: Being mindful of your breath throughout the day can serve as a powerful anchor, especially in moments of stress or anger. Attempting to take a few quick inhales followed by a prolonged exhale not only delivers the oxygen your brain requires for logical thinking but can also facilitate a more measured, less reactionary response to challenging situations.

The beauty of breathwork lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Whether you're sitting at your desk, in traffic, or amidst a hectic day at home, taking a moment to breathe deeply can reset your emotional state and provide a fresh perspective.

Deep breathing exercises, such as the 4-7-8 technique—inhaling for four seconds, holding the breath for seven, and exhaling for eight—can be particularly effective for reducing anxiety and promoting sleep. These practices are not just beneficial for acute stress relief but, when incorporated regularly, can improve long-term respiratory and cardiovascular health, enhance concentration, and foster a sense of peace.

Incorporating Breath Awareness: Let your breath be a gentle reminder of your presence and power within each moment. By choosing to engage with your breath consciously, you transform it from a mere biological function into a profound therapeutic tool. This simple yet transformative practice can significantly impact your health, well-being, and overall quality of life.

Remember, by harnessing the breath of life with intention and awareness, you're not just surviving; you're thriving.

Taking a day off after a rigorous week of work is more than a mere tradition; it's a critical component of maintaining our sanity and health. While the demands of life often encroach on our rest days, compelling us to catch up on tasks we couldn't tackle during the week, it's crucial to remember the profound importance of doing absolutely nothing. 

Yes, that’s right—nothing.

This concept might seem counterintuitive in a society that prizes constant productivity, but the necessity of allowing our body and brain to decompress and reset cannot be overstated, even though words here might not fully capture its significance. The importance of rest is so fundamental that it's highlighted as one of the Ten Commandments:

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 

This biblical reference emphasizes that even in divine wisdom, the importance of taking time to pause and rejuvenate is recognized.

This commandment isn't just a rule for religious practice, but a universal need illustrated by God resting on the seventh day. It wasn't a day for errands or catching up on household tasks; it was a day for rest, showing us that even the mightiest forces recognize the need to step back and recharge. The Science of Rest Scientific research supports the necessity of rest, illustrating its benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional health. When we allow ourselves moments of stillness and relaxation, we enable our nervous system to shift from the fight-or-flight response to a state of rest and digest, facilitating healing, restoration, and rejuvenation. 

Rest is not merely the absence of work; it's an active process through which our body repairs itself. Muscles grow, toxins are cleared, and the mind consolidates memories and learning during periods of rest. It’s a time when the brain can process and detoxify, much like clearing the cache in a computer to ensure it runs more efficiently. 

Embracing Respite in Modern Life: In today's fast-paced world, taking time to rest can feel like a luxury we can't afford. However, just as a computer may freeze and require rebooting after being overworked, our bodies and minds also need regular intervals of downtime to prevent burnout and maintain optimal function. 

Incorporate moments of respite into your routine, whether it's dedicating time to simply gaze out the window, lie in the grass watching the clouds, or indulge in activities that bring you joy and relaxation without any goal or purpose other than to be. These moments are not lost time but an essential investment in your overall well-being. 

Benefits of Doing Nothing: Allowing yourself the space to do nothing is a profound act of self-care that can lead to increased creativity, improved mood, and a better sense of well-being. It gives your mind the freedom to wander, which is often when inspiration strikes and solutions to problems emerge seemingly out of nowhere. 

Take this permission to reboot seriously. By regularly scheduling time to refresh and reset, you safeguard your health, enhance your productivity, and enrich your quality of life in the long run. 

Remember, rest is not an act of laziness but a fundamental aspect of a balanced, healthy life. Honor your need for respite, and you will find yourself more equipped to face the challenges and opportunities that come your way. 

If you already have a place to call home, you can skip this and go to the next chapter. If you are without shelter or friends to stay with and need immediate help, please contact your local churches and salvation army or go online to https://www.hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance/homeless-help/ and enter your state in the filter field for your local homeless service providers. Many communities have a lot of social services that could help you find temporary shelter.  

Dialing 211 or going to 211.org and giving your zip code will get you all the services available in your area.  There's much more available than just for housing.  You just tell them what you need, and they'll point you in the right direction. 

Do not be ashamed to ask for help.  It is the quickest way out of a bad situation. 

The challenge isn't that you are homeless, it is how you quickly you get over it. When temporary shelter is found for you, please be respectful of the staff and of the other patrons.  

Everybody is dealing with something bad otherwise they wouldn't be there.  You may not be in the same boat but you're all in the same ocean.  Some people may be worse off then you and giving each other respect for their feelings will make the journey for everyone go a little easier.  

When you are in a shelter, do not take advantage of the recreational activities.  Use every bit of time you have in search of a job if you don't have one and a place to live. Often people go to shelters and think it is a time to relax and watch TV.  That keeps them there longer.

If you want to rise in this world, you mustn't lie back on the couch and watch TV.  While you are at the shelter, please keep your belongings in order and within your personal space. Pick up after yourself, clean up your messes, and don't wait to be told.

If you open the door, close it. 

If you dirty a dish, wash it.

If you hurt someone, apologize.  

Doing your fair share of chores and going the extra mile by doing chores that help everyone, will bring favor to you not only in the eyes of the place you are staying but also with the Lord because to serve is to love.  

When it comes to eating at the shelter, whether it be communal food or your own, choosing healthy food will benefit you most as your brain will work better when fed proper nutrients.  Because shelters rely on donations, they are often given a lot of unhealthy baked goods. Try to stay away from them.  Not only are they on the verge of spoiling but they are also loaded with a lot of sugar and preservatives that will fog up your brain and make it so you can't think clearly.  If you are in a shelter, you need to think clearly as it will help you find a way out sooner. Use every bit of free time you have in searching for a job or home or both. It is not a time to fraternize and make friends.  There are a lot of people who are in shelters who don't really try to help themselves.  They often have a victim mentality.  It is always some external circumstance that keeps them in distress.  This is not a place to make friends, you need friends that have high goals and actively pursue them, not just sit around on the couch and talk about them.  They say that you are the sum of who you hang out with so if you are hanging out with other people who are in a shelter, you may end up just going in circles.  Find friends with goals, find friends with a lust for life and who yearn for learning.  Do not sit around and discuss your woes with others. That just focuses on the problems but does little to solve them.  If you want to discuss anything, discuss your goals and how you're going to reach them. Try to get others to discuss their goals so that you may create a wave of inspiration for others.   When finding a place to live, you will undoubtedly have to fill out an application. Handshake deals are becoming extinct.  The application will be used to judge you without personally knowing you, much like school peers. Make sure that when you are writing, you write clearly and cleanly. Answer every question with as much honesty as possible and if you find a question that is not applicable to you, write N/A in the field, don't just leave spaces blank.  You will be asked for your phone number and/or email address so make sure that you write them clearly and correctly. Then double check. Also, make sure that your voicemail is set with your name so that they know they have reached the right person and can leave you a message if you don't answer. Most housing applications will ask you for your previous addresses. It is okay to write that you have been living with parents and that you are now searching for a place of your own.  If you have had your job for a while, having your three most recent pay stubs and tax returns to show will help convince landlords.  Getting a letter from your employer on the company letterhead stating that you have worked there for however long and that they do not foresee any coming layoffs can also work.  If you had paid any money for your housing while in foster care or at home, get a letter stating so, if you can.  Bringing an individual to a housing interview that you have had a financial relationship with will also help.  RENTAL REQUIREMENTS There are several things that are a must when renting apartments and houses. That is references, (past rentals and personal), proof of income and often insurance.  There are organizations out there to help with deposit and possibly first month’s rent. Call 211 or your local Saint Vinnies/Salvation Army. Tif they cannot help, they may be able to direct you to someone who can.  MOVING IN Once you get an approval and the keys, (CONGRATULATIONS!) your next step would be to contact the power company and gas company (if applicable). If your utilities are included in the rent, you don’t need to do this step. To make sure you get the right services for your new home, ask the property owner for the companies that service that home.  When you call the power company, they will ask a few questions to get you started. Your full name, the address of your new home, the move-in date, your birthdate, phone number, email address, your social security number and the type of lease, if you are renting. (Fixed-term lease, month-to-month and subleasing) Call the city water department to get your water bill in your name, if not included in the rent.  It's also good to introduce yourself to your neighbors, so you can be better aware of your surroundings. FURNISHINGS Now comes the fun of designing your new home. If you are short on funds, call 211 and ask for your local Salvation Army or other service that can help with furniture, bedding, dishes, clothes, and more. Getting cheap to free furniture to start will be easier than waiting to be able to afford it. You can purchase better things as you grow your finances. FYI stay away from free couches on the side of the road. They may bring in more than you expect, like bugs and mice.