Over eight years ago I was in my active addiction. I was homeless, living in a tent and had burned all the bridges with my family and friends. I felt lower than the bottom that I hit. During that time, there was an intense struggle being waged within me, a struggle that’s not seen by others, perceived by others, not felt by others, unless they have deep compassion and understanding. It’s a painful cyclical battle of competing desires. It was a constant inner conflict between my two inner wolves.
Most people regard the homeless with disgust, as “less than”, or don’t bother to see them at all. I am thankful during that time for the few people who actually stopped and showed me compassion. They changed my life, because each time a person would give me their time just to listen, it fed my good wolf. Their compassion and generosity in giving me food, sometimes money, and/or something warm, fed my good wolf. They treated me with respect. And bit by bit, the good wolf grew stronger. It was slow growth pushing up through the sludge of the life I’d created, but those few people continued to stop and share their love and hope. They never gave up.
Once I got clean, I continue to pay that forward. I return to the homeless camps to help, to listen to them with respect and understanding of their struggles, and hopefully, to be an example. I’ve collected food, clothing, blankets, tarps, and cans. I meet them on the streets weekly and monthly to see how they’re doing. I find resources for them, where they can get a shower, where there might be a day job. I care.
Wanting to be more effective in the community, to be able to reach further and do more, MudBlosm Connections was formed and granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status! I am so grateful for this wonderful accomplishment!!
I want to thank everyone who has inspired and supported me in making this happen, especially Dale, Jeffery, and Hannah for joining the team and bringing their passion and expertise.
We must remember that feeding the good wolf is to feed the wolf of joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.
Please contact me at mudblosmconnections@gmail.com or PM me if you’d like to volunteer or donate and watch the Mud Blossom bloom.
Thank you all again for your support through the years.
Jessica
3-18-2022
At West Coast Sober Housing, we often house women who have come off the street or are joining us directly after a hospital or detox stay. Many of these women have no clothes, no finances, and no family support. Jessica at Mud Blosm has been a godsend. She donated over 10 bags of BRAND NEW clothing to our women! They were so grateful and so excited! We are very, very grateful to have Mudblosm as a supporter and community partner of ours. It means a lot to us.