Network

Often mixed in with the nervousness and fear generally felt
upon release from prison is invigorated confidence and
expectations. We come out feeling that we have an edge over
others. After all, the time helped us think of better ideas than
them, the separation from free life allowed us to attain more
focus than them, and the experience left us stronger and with
more insight than them. But if you believe any of that you’re a
fool.
We usually base our understandings of people on our
experiences and social circles. However, we can’t accurately
judge the quality of anything by comparing it to our limited life
experiences; our former selves, friends and family; or the cats
we know or knew in prison. I cannot emphasize enough how
many equally smart, tough and determined, as well as
credentialed, connected and criminal-record-free people there
are with ideas identical to or better than ours. That business
plan we think is gonna make us rich when we get out; best
believe several people are currently working on it—or already
did it and you just haven’t got the news.
However, this does not mean we should give up—far from it. It
simply means that we cannot delude ourselves about both the
competition and our abilities. It simply means that we,
currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, may very well
have to play catch up for sometime and even start somewhere
at the very bottom. Fortunately, we have a lot to gain from
this.

So much of success, of achieving our goals, comes from who we
know and so many of the greatest relationships start in the
most basic, unexciting places, such as menial jobs. But we will
surely miss these life-changing unexpected opportunities if we
hold the illogical view that those things ought to be easier or
better. Why pass up potential diamonds while waiting for
possible gold?
Just as a fun house mirror affects our vision, prison has a way
of distorting what our minds see. We begin to confuse hopes
and dreams for some guaranteed picture of our future.
However, there is no such thing as should be. There is only
what was, what is and what will be, and we do nothing more
than surrender our chances at what will be when we continue
to live in prison dreams instead of reality. (If you don’t believe
me, ask or read about any successful person who didn’t grow
up privileged; the willingness and patience to start anywhere—
legally, of course—is key.)
No matter how boring or frustrating, first steps are just a
temporary bridge to something greater, possibly much greater.
So get in where you can. Embrace your second (or third, etc.)
chance and keep your eyes and mind open for the next step.
Remember: Just because we see clearer doesn’t mean the path
ahead suddenly is as well. Anticipate and embrace the
challenge.
Keep boxing temptation.

Network

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do