I work daily with Return to Honor helping people on both sides of prison bars redirecting their lives in positive ways. I was asked to write a few words of encouragement to those inside. It occurs to me that those on the other side are in many ways prisoners as well - trapped in their own self-limiting ways. To me personal freedom is a choice we all make through our attitudes and choices. I am including the few words of encouragement I have come up with express these views.
What If?
It seems life has given you a little “time out”. The only thing you really have that you can call your own is how you choose to perceive and experience this. This is the story you tell yourself and others that creates the reality you experience.
Some might say that life isn’t fair and it might not be. Some might say that they deserve an even break and they probably do. Some might think that the deck is stacked against them and it probably is. So??? How do you begin to change the things in your life that are not working for you? Perhaps what is called for is an attitude adjustment.
Since only you can choose how you deal with life, given the “realities” of what is, how do you intend to change the only thing you have control over which is your attitude? What if, just for today, you choose to treat ALL people honorably and respectfully – just because that is how you would like to be treated? What if, just for today, you choose to show up as someone who is caring and loving – just because that is how you would like to feel? What if, just for today, you choose to ignore the taunts and jeers of others, knowing that they are wounded and hurting themselves? What if, just for today, you step outside your fear and allow the true you to shine forth and enrich the lives of others? You can try this – just for today - and see how it feels to wear these new feelings. You may find that you rather like the new you and certainly those around you will feel and notice the difference.
Warning!!! Once you have begun this journey to self-understanding and self-appreciation it may be hard to return to the pain and misery of self-doubt and recrimination. That too is your choice. If things are working wonderfully for you and you feel loved and fulfilled, there is little motivation to change. If things are less than perfect, perhaps it is something you might wish to try on to see how you can create a more joyful reality. No charge but big rewards. You deserve it. Keep up the good work.
Penny Genter
