The Power of Perseverance: Overcoming Obstacles After Prison
Life after prison can be a journey filled with obstacles, but it is also a path paved with opportunities for growth, change, and perseverance. Sometimes, those obstacles don’t make sense to us. I’ll give you an example.
If you’ve read my book: Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-Year Prison Term, you have an idea of how hard I worked to prepare for a career upon release. Although my passion has always been to work to change the prison system, I’ve also had to earn a living. When I got out, opportunities opened. We were at the tail end of the recession. I began acquiring income-producing real estate.
It wasn’t too complicated. I bought single-family houses. Then tenants rented the houses. The income from the rent allowed me to pay the mortgage. Typically, I’d finance the house as an owner-occupied residence. My wife and I moved in. Then, once I found another asset and coordinated financing to purchase, I’d move out of my house and bring a tenant in.
After a few years, my wife and I owned several properties. They’d increased in value. But one time, I needed a short-term fix. I wasn’t going to be able to move into the next house because of the deal we coordinated. I had to rent an apartment for a short time. The developer, however, refused to process my application. As a convicted felon, I was not welcome in the community–even though I offered to pay the entire year’s rent in advance.
Fortunately, prison prepared me to persevere and shrug off the setback.
At Prison Professors Talent, we’ve seen time and again how the power of perseverance can transform lives post-incarceration. This article aims to inspire and guide those who are navigating this challenging yet rewarding journey.
Embracing the Challenge
The transition from prison to society is not just a physical shift; it’s a complete transformation of environment, mindset, and lifestyle. This change, while daunting, is also an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and determination. Embracing the challenge is the first step towards overcoming it.
Perseverance in Action
- Adapting to New Realities: Adjusting to life outside prison walls requires flexibility and a willingness to learn and adapt. It’s about finding new ways to fit into a world that may have changed significantly.
- Setting and Achieving Goals: Whether it’s pursuing education, securing employment, or rebuilding relationships, setting clear goals and working persistently towards them is crucial.
- Overcoming Stigma: One of the biggest challenges is dealing with societal stigma. Perseverance here means continuously proving oneself through actions and contributions to society.
Our Course: A Tool for Empowerment
Our course, “Preparing for Success after Prison,” is designed to empower individuals with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to overcome these obstacles. We focus on practical strategies for reintegration, personal development, and goal setting, all underpinned by the theme of perseverance.
Invitation to Join and Grow
We invite you to be part of our community at Prison Professors Talent. Share your journey, challenges, and triumphs with us at Interns@PrisonProfessorsTalent.com. By participating, you not only gain access to valuable resources but also become part of a supportive network. Remember, including “Request a Book” in the subject line of your email allows us to provide additional resources like “Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-Year Sentence” and others, subject to the availability of resources in our nonprofit.
Books to Inspire and Support Your Journey:
- Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-Year Sentence
- Success after Prison
- Prison! My 8,344th Day
- Release Plan 2024
- Preparing for Success after Prison
In conclusion, the journey post-prison is one that tests and reveals the true strength of an individual. It’s a path where perseverance is not just a virtue but a necessity. At Prison Professors Talent, we are committed to supporting you in this journey, helping you turn obstacles into stepping stones for a successful and fulfilling life after prison.
Respectfully,
Michael Santos
Founder, Prison Professors Talent
