Realizing I am in prison, not dead, and that my life stops only if I allow it to do so realizing no matter how egregious my past, I do not have to allow my past to define me and realizing, despite how badly I am viewed by others, I do not have to live down to their expectations I came to several conclusions that help to define my lifestyle and who I am as a person today. It is possible to live and enjoy a full life in prison. If I do not wish my life to be defined by my past, I must always live and act in such a manner to repudiate my past and to highlight that I am more than that past. I must take note of others’ opinions and expectations of me and acknowledge their beliefs are valid only if I live down to them. I am who I believe I am and every minute of my life, every choice, each action must consciously adhere to that belief and belie the negative beliefs.
In short, I chose to live according to the standards and mores my mother and grandmother instilled within me. I chose to be a contributing member of the human race, to help those I can, and to treat others as I would want them to treat a child of my own. I chose to be the kind of man my Mama and Nonna would be proud of.
Take care and be safe, people.
