Transforming Lives: Overcoming the 'They Won’t Let Me Live' Mentality
The journey of an inmate is often marked by challenges and obstacles, but it is also a period of rehabilitation and personal transformation. The phrase 'They won’t let me live and they won’t let me die' can be seen as a reflection of a negative mindset that permeates some inmates' experiences. However, a more positive and proactive approach can lead to personal growth and a better future.
Attitude and Responsibility
Many inmates find themselves released at some point, even if that point is 15 years down the road. The older inmates plan for their eventual release, while the younger ones use the time to reflect on their mistakes and devise new schemes to return to a life of crime. I, on the other hand, spent over 17 years in prison and have been out since October 15, 2015. During this time, I learned to take personal responsibility and accountability for my actions. This shift in mindset was the key to my eventual release and transition back into society.
Accepting that no one else is responsible for your situation is a crucial step. When I realized that my predicament was self-inflicted, I was able to find the motivation and drive to change my life. The realization that my fate is ultimately in my hands was the beginning of my transformation. I began to focus on personal enrichment and development, both spiritual and emotional, which helped me prepare for the challenges ahead.
Rehabilitation and Personal Growth
Prison life is not easy, and resources for rehabilitation are often limited. At one of my institutions, very little was offered due to the violent and unpredictable nature of the population. Despite these challenges, I used my time to develop discipline, patience, and perseverance. These qualities have served me well in various aspects of life, including entrepreneurship and personal growth.
Over time, I discovered that every step I took in the right direction opened new opportunities for me. In 2007, I was transferred to San Quentin, a previously notorious institution that had now transformed into an environment with college programs, self-help groups, and sports teams. This new environment provided the perfect backdrop for my personal enrichment journey.
A significant turning point came when I was accepted into The Last Mile’s entrepreneurship program. Here, I developed my idea for Fitness Monkey, an online life coaching platform that helps people in addiction recovery through physical fitness. Later, in 2014, I also participated in The Last Mile’s Code.7370 program, where I learned to develop websites and applications for companies like Airbnb and the Coalition for Public Safety.
Breaking Free from Negative Attitudes
Many inmates fall into the trap of thinking that 'They won’t let me live and they won’t let me die.' This mindset is detrimental and can hinder one's ability to move forward. By eliminating 'They' from your mindset, you can focus on what you can do, regardless of the situation. It's true that the world is not perfect, and people do make mistakes, but blaming others does not change the reality of the situation. It is essential to take responsibility and make positive changes within yourself.
The key is to shift your focus from external factors to internal actions. Gather the courage to embrace the words of Mahatma Gandhi: 'Be the change that you would like to see in the world.' By doing so, you can embrace new opportunities and create a better future. Regardless of the challenges you face, maintaining a positive attitude and taking proactive steps can lead to remarkable personal and professional transformations.