Recently I had a discussion with my daughter Lisa about the changes the world is going through while we are in here. The technology changes, the social changes after Covid-19, it seems that nothing is the same out there and it makes me wonder how many guys are prepared for the new world they face after incarceration.
Each day we have a choice to make: Will I spend the day preoccupied with whatever menial events and tasks help me take my focus off my situation, or will I utilize this time to prepare myself for life after incarceration?
Over the years I have watched guys use working out, cards, tv, drugs, gambling, all to “escape” from the reality of incarceration or help lessen the impact of it. It is like Michael Santos says he was told so often, “Forget about the world out there.” But by doing so you are passing up the opportunity to prepare yourself for success after incarceration.
My last time out, I decide I had had enough. I cut everyone loose. I moved. I got a great job in a law firm. After eight years clean it was suggested we do a couple lines one night. I was convinced after all that clean time I could handle it. That one night led to a multi-decade federal prison sentence. And I do not have any weapons or violence. I do not even have sales! All the time I spent previously incarcerated were spent like the people mentioned above, and no matter how sincere I was to turn a new leaf, I did not have the increased self-awareness, or tools to succeed.
For almost a decade now I have been doing everything to ensure I do not make the same mistake again. If you have loved ones inside, make sure they understand the importance of preparing for release. A friend, Brother Chris used to say that this is the training ground for the proving ground out there. Todays choice determine tomorrows results.