The Kossacks Who Fixed Me

When I posted a diary asking for advice, I was in a bad place. I'd been trapped in a whirlpool for so long, my brain wasn't working. Now I have clarity; I am able to plan and gather information and think productively. I have the hope and optimism necessary to get up and do what needs to be done. My situation hasn't changed one bit, but now I have the power to change it. Power and direction: escape velocity! And it didn't cost a dime.

Only a few people read and commented on my diary Advice From My Elders, but the wisdom, experience and advice that they shared literally fixed me. They shared practical tips and links, things they had done that worked and didn't, and their own stories. Especially this last--"I've been in your situation and I understand"--has given me amazing fortitude. Several people advised getting a notebook and making lists. It's a simple idea but once I started, one of the locks on my chains came free. I started googling: states that expanded medicaid, best place to live if you're poor, best places for biking, blue states. It all comes down to the blue states! I'll live longer in a blue state. My muddled thinking clarified. My pessimism was forgotten. I am free, free to leave this hellish place.

I have chosen the perfect place to move, and the winning community is Eugene, Oregon. My bicycle will join the hundreds of bikes parked at festivals, I'll visit my homeless brothers and sisters at Opportunity Village, and buy fresh veggies at the Saturday Market. I'll go hiking in the mountains and have liberal friends and health care. I can't even imagine what it will be like. I'm going to LIVE!

Yes, it's going to be hard. Moving across the country is supposed to be impossible for poor people; we're supposed to stay where we are. The economy depends on it. But I refuse; I will not work at a low-wage job until I die from lack of health care at an early age. I'll do a GoFundMe, and if that fails, a plane ticket is $200. I can do this.

I'd like to call out a couple of Kossacks who said things that really resonated with me. Jodem gave me a step-by-step plan that really got me moving. Gwenned really did just sell everything and get on a bus! Best decision she ever made. In my case it's cheaper to fly. Besame linked to intentional communities, which could be a great idea for me for housing. Besame also saw the big picture in a way that helped me to trust myself:

The problem isn't in your vision, it's a systemic social problem that is getting worse. The system seems rigged to let someone drop until they don't just hit bottom, they go into the sub-basement before any social services net catches them.

Blaqntelligence made me ROFL with "If you value your life leave the south immediately!" Blaq also said this about fleeing red for blue:

After putting in the work and time today, literally, I am celebrating one year employed at a very lucrative job, I've bought a car, have a very nice apartment....and would not go south for all the money anyone could give me. I hate to politicize your dilemma but find a Democrat-controlled environment. Your quality of life and health will thank you.

I want to thank those Kossacks and all the others who read and commented, but most especially Kos, for making this a place that is not only informative and fun, but also a real community in the highest sense of the word. I will keep y'all posted on my journey!

If someone could tell me how to make links, I think we'd all be happier.