I got nothing. I have no stash, no backup and no wiggle room. I own no furniture, no silverware and no TV. I have no car. I don’t shop, I forage.

All of my meals are variations on a theme.

I can do things with rice, oats, frozen vegetables and pasta that meet all my daily requirements for nutrition.

By the end of the month I have to decide if it’s me or the dog who eats. We know who wins that decision.

Clothing comes in the form of donations and the only thing I will spend money on is running shoes.

You can see through my t-shirts and don’t ask me about underwear.

The VA provides whatever medical attention I might need and so far I’ve been lucky.

I take deliberate, tactical and anticipatory steps to stay healthy.

I live solitary days filled with self education, music, extreme exercise and meditation.

I can go weeks without speaking to another human being.

Still, I am fulfilled. I have what I need and nothing more.

I sleep with a clean conscience and I’m regular.

You can’t put a price on that.