thinking of doing something
So I have a plan and that it is all it is for right now...To go train hopping in about year its jus in the planning process and what not...
My life is a whole lot of boring lately and I want to see places...Yes I know there are other ways of travelling and I may very well choose of these alteritives of course...but for now when the master plan isn't set in stone or anything I want to travel by trains meet new people and what not
I just feel as if I don't start now then I may get stuck living the average everyday life with out having explored this world that we call ours. Like every one I know is getting knocked up and they are young and haven't done a whole lot in the time they have been alive so what I'm saying is I want to live a adventurous life before I settle down & have kids and do whatever it is I plan to do with my life
Which jus on a side note is become a good alcohol and drug counciller and/or photographer...Becoming a a/d worker would be better if I had some real life experince where I could say "yeah I know what you've gone through" instead of "oh really jus sec I gotta look thru my text books to understand you" At least I think so anyway who knows...If you have anythoughts on the subject feel free...try not to be to hard on my idea though plz
Your ideas are positive and profound, sister. You are probably older than your years in wisdom.
I know some folks who went on some train hopping adventures and for the most part they all came back with great stories and they learned a lot about life along the way. Make sure you do your research, find out about the potential hazards, which routes are more suitable, and check out if there have been any recent changes (I hear they somehow lock the cars on some routes?)...you'll want to always travel with somebody else, or a cool group, for safety and security.
Keep in mind that you can find adventure right around the corner, you don't always need to travel far. Nearby town or cities can be worth exploring. Or pack a bag with a tent and sleeping bag and head out into the wilderness for some getaway.
And hey pls don't feel like you have to become an addict to help addicts, that's NOT TRUE...you already have the empathy and compassion and you probably are good at understanding others...that's what you need, nothing else. Keep strong and vital and follow your dreams, sister. Whether you hit the trains or whatever you do, bring a little camera along, or keep a journal, so you can share your adventures with all of us when you get back.
Your kids will enjoy the stories too.
Meegwetch
Yeah I've read some stories about people who've done it and it sounds pretty good. Yeah I'm researching it as much as I can I'm not leaving till summer 2011 so I have plenty of time to think about it find some people willing to do it with me and get stuff together.
Yeah its very true I could find an adventure right around the place I already live and thats kind of the plan for this summer go check out the places I've never seen around here walk around a city rather than finding a ride all the time. I dunno bout randomly camping by myself though but with a few people I'd do it prolly get all paranoid bout bears but whatever.
I know I don't plan on becoming an addict to help other addicts because if thats what I wanted to do I could do that right here around where I live and save the trouble of travelling...I just think it would be hard for someone to respect me as a drug and alcohol counsellor if I didn't have some kind of experince with it sat I used to used or I knew someone who used...prolly not true but I dunno thats just what I think yeah I'm compassionate and I listen really good and understand people hardships with things. I'd definately bring my camera and keep a journal so when I do get back home or find a place to call home I could wirte it all down and post pics it would be awesome
So have a good day have fun
While people who have been through shit with drugs and/or alcohol can sometimes help others after they've cleaned themselves up, it is by no means a necessity to have that direct negative experience in order to help others.
Having direct experience offers you that perspective - with its inherent limitations.
And having no direct experience with drugs and/or alcohol offers you a different perspective - and that can be just as helpful to people, but from a different angle.
'Pops' (those of you who've been to Montreal know who 'Pops' is) - whenever someone said that it's better to have been once screwed up with drugs and/or alcohol in order to help people, 'Pops' would reply "Well, there are a lot of male gynecologists who are experts in their field without having direct experience."
I think he's right - you can definitely help people - and absorb lots of knowledge - without having the direct experience of having lived it.
You mentioned knowing someone who uses. That could be beneficial - but only as long as you make sure that you don't fall into the trap they've fallen into. Make sure that you don't get into the shit yourself. I've seen too many people try to help someone out of the sewer only to be dragged down into the sewer themselves by the other person. Don't let that happen to you.
As for train hopping - be very careful. It is dangerous in several ways. People have had their legs cut off, and have been otherwise seriously injured. It's not all glamorous and romantic.
If you can do it safely and in a healthy way - without getting messed up with the drugs and alcohol that are often a part of that lifestyle - then good.
Before embarking into any lifestyle, do your research efficiently, so that you know what you're getting yourself into.
haha good point on the gynecologyst yeah okay I agree with you...because I've never lived it I might have a different veiw that is completely true...Its mostly just cuz I'm freaked out I won't uinderstand someone who comes to me for help maybe I should just let it go and see what happens..I'm not going out looking for a bad experince or anything...Yeah I can ansore alot of knowledge plus skool will prolly take care of knowing alot of things
Yeah I know train hopping is dangerous which is why I'm reasearching it like hell for a year and in the end I might change the idea all together because right now its more of an pretty idea than a set in stone plan I might go to skool and just keep on going who knows what could happen in this year in time...But if I do it I'm finding someone who knows what they are doing to help me out and I won't leave till I do that