by Taylor Kraig, Oregon Department of Corrections in Urialla, Oregon
Spending time in lock-up or detention can be lonely and troubling. Time slows down and structure is brought upon you. It’s easy to be frustrated and annoyed. I know this from my own experience. I am 24 years old and I am 4 years in on my 10 year sentence.
When I first got sentenced I was frustrated. I was confused and I was lost. I sat on the yard and asked myself, “What do I want to make of this time?” I went back to my cell that night and wrote a list of all the things that I wanted to accomplish. Some of those things were as small as fitness goals and adjustments to my attitude. Others were more grand like educational goals and future business goals.
This time in detention and locked up is a perfect time for self-discovery and growth. You can become anything or anyone that you’d like. Your life is in your hands. Use this time wisely! This time is yours and it’s precious. Use this time to get ahead and leave your past in the past. Write a list of goals. They can be small goals or big goals. Create a game plan for how you want to do your time. If not that, then at least have hope.
Have hope and faith that good times are ahead and that you are strong enough to overcome any obstacle in your way. Hold what you love close to your heart and push yourself to new lengths. I have complete faith in you!
Just remember to live the life you love and love the life you live. There is more value to you as a person than you could ever imagine. You got this!