It has been sometime since I have written in my journal, so it is nice to be able to write a little. I did receive some good news from my counselor. In December, I will be able to transfer to a better place. I will not go into details about where I am going, or what I’m expecting, but it will be whole lot better than where I am at. This transfer has been something that I have work towards, it has taken discipline and commitment to accomplish the things that I needed to do to leave here. It seems that nothing in here just happens, really a person needs to make things happen, especially if that person wants to get out early or go on to other programs that will eventually result in going home early.
Some of the things that I have needed to do were to take classes (and more classes) that would help lower my recidivism. As well, I am now working various different jobs which has not only lowered my recidivism but will now result in an earlier release. As well, I’m getting close to another degree in business from the local junior college and getting very close to getting a Bachelors degree from a 4 year State University. Michael has talked about not watching TV or playing games which I absolutely agree with and something that I don’t do, because I’m to busy with doing the things that I need to do to successfully transition away and out of this place.
The relationships that I have with a very few select friend’s have taken some work as well. I value the people I have in my life today because I value the gratitude and the life I have left to live with them. I work hard making sure that with these friends we communicate appropriately and are completely honest with each other about everything. Thera are no in betweens with this. My friendship are flourishing and are more meaningful because of the value that has been placed on them. It’s kind of funny when I talk to people they say that I sound so good. I find this interesting because I’m not sure what “sounds so good” means. Just seems a little funny to me, but if someone wants to say that to me I will take that as a compliment and move on.
Time is not on my side, but the time I have left in my life I will value and cherish with all the muster I can give it. I think I have been blessed with good genes, a healthy body that allows me to run 4-5 miles a day, and absolutely no health issues. I’m so grateful for my health!
This way of life isn’t something that just started, it has been being worked on for the past few years even before I came in I had made a commitment to make a better life for myself. Changing my life or probably anyone’s life for that matter just doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work, but a willingness, discipline and commitment to change as well.
i have to admit that I am probably happier than I have been in a long time because I have absolutely no legal issues hanging over me. Not only that though again as I keep saying I have an appreciation and gratitude for life, my friends, and most importantly respect for myself. By saying these things, that most certainly doesn’t make my life perfect or is it going to make everything okay when I get out, I still have so many things to make right especially with some friend and most importantly my family, but by doing what I need to do it will make it possible to accomplish and face the challenges ahead of me. With knowing this I have the confidence and the courage to trudge forward and face those issues and resolve them and move on from them.
I think all of these things I write, may sound self prophesizing, but I want to be very clear that I’m still working towards getting on that level playing field that everyone else is on. So please accept my most humble being and respect for the rest of the world and everyone in it.
My writing again is reflective of what I do and the hard work I put forth to come back and be a productive part of life, that’s all! Be grateful and appreciate life!
William Kragthorpe
