Good morning to all!
Every experience in life, teaches us valuable lessons and ultimately, it is up to you what you take from that lesson and what you do with it.
We can just absorb the lesson and put it in an archive somewhere in our brain or we can start using that information and transform it into something very useful.
All my life, I have been “into books”. My parents always jokingly pointed out that I was born with a book in my hand. Even as a toddler, when I was not to be seen or heard, my parents would find me sitting on the floor in a corner, all absorbed in any book I could find, whether it was a children’s book or part of the 25-volume encyclopedia we had at home (yes, this is late sixties, pre-Internet/Google/Social Media, black and white TV without a remote;). I would pretend I was reading and was not even 3 yet, but I memorized the many stories my parents and brothers used to read to me and I truly could not wait to be able to read and write. I was an avid learner, a real nerd and in prison, this characteristic proved to be very valuable. I have studied all my life, eager to learn, I love Discovery, History, National Geographic and in my opinion, this should be promoted more throughout the prison system, making use of modern day technology such as the tablets that are available throughout the BOP and other systems.
That being said, I studied, acquired knowledge, wherever and whenever I could.
I wrote before, that at the height of my International Business Career, my entire professional world came tumbling down, I fought very hard for my case and did not leave any stone unturned, but my legal team and I ended up talking to a vast concrete wall, ultimately resulting in a conviction and incarceration.
I embrace adversity and hardship, hence I try to find purpose in everything, in people around me. I truly believe in ALLAH’s (God’s) Master Plan, which has been set up meticulously with every detail regarding people, events, hardship and good fortune.
Prison closes many doors, but at the same Our Almighty Opens all the doors and windows we need to survive, use Hid time wisely and better ourselves.
I very often find myself lacking time with all that I do. Holding 2 jobs: GED tutoring peers, being a Suicide Watch Companion and now actively involved in the Peer Success Team, inspired by our Guru as we refer to him in our team, Michael Santos.
The truth of the matter is, I will keep on singing this into your ears as today’s Mantra: ‘Seek knowledge every day’, do not let this pause in life be a true pause, but just a re-routing into another avenue to reach your goal, being successful at reforming yourself and making a successful re-entry into society.
Never stop studying the Law, general knowledge, technology and pass on this knowledge. Focus on being harmonious and at peace in life, sharing is caring for each other, whether it is bag of vanilla wafers or setting up the tablet for someone or explaining what we are watching when we see stock market details on CNBC channel.
I greet you all, keep the faith, Allow Our Almighty to Lead you through this part of your journey, you are never alone.
Sherida
