Life Lessons with Bradshaw (A note from Alex Bradshaw)

#1 How to Begin the New Year Fresh (and Without Pants)

My dearest friends, let me share with you a sad story with a happy ending. Three weeks ago I was robbed and I lost everything. HUH???!!! Let me elaborate further. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, I had to move out of my apartment immediately. So I packed most of my clothes and essential life items into the trunk of my car and rode off directly to work. After work, I returned to my car to find the passenger window shattered, the trunk popped, and everything gone. A homeless woman was sleeping in the back seat using my sweatshirt and backpack as a blanket (Oh dear). I tapped on the rear car window and woke up the sleeping woman, who was clearly as startled as myself. And for a moment, there we were together, her and I, the same woman: homeless and posessionless in a cold alley in a city (forgive my dramatic indulgence—I do not take for granted that I am more fortunate than this poor woman, being that I have my health, a job, a car, and a kind friend’s couch to sleep on). So anyways, I calmly but firmly asked the woman to vacate my car and off she went, still clutching my sweatshirt and backpack. I just stood there, stunned, watching her leave with the last of my belongings—I mean, if I had to refuse this woman shelter, the least I could do was give her warmth…?

So in a span of approximately ten hours, I lost my apartment and most of my possessions. And you know what? Aside from the tremendous inconvenience of it all, I have never felt so alive and well! I feel purged! Viva aparigraha!!!!! (non-possessiveness). It is during times like these—when you are truly down and out—that you rediscover the important things in life, no? Like the profundity of human compassion—i.e. when your friends and family stand by you, buy you new socks, help you rebuild and renew. I am tremendously grateful to be surrounded by such love and support in my life. I may only have two pairs of pants, my friends, but by golly I am healthy, I am loved, and I feel wonderful.

I pray that you never have to lose everything in order to love and appreciate yourself, your life, your friends, and your family. Just promise me that you’ll take a minute every now and then to take it all in, will you? And during this festive holiday season, rather than scouring the shops on Christmas Eve for last minute stocking stuffers (googly eyed with peppermint latte in tote), I hope that you will be home baking cookies with your kids. As for me, perhaps I’ll try to find my homeless lady friend and give her a scarf to match my sweatshirt.

Sending love to you all! I am ever so grateful for you. I wish you all the best during the holidays, and always!

Cheers, Blessings, Namaste

Alex