by Olegario Ambriz, San Quentin State Prison, CA
I had to go back to my childhood and reflect on my past traumas. I had to get in touch with my inner child, writing a letter to the hurt and lonely child within me. Letting him know I was there for him and not to be afraid because I was there to protect him from anybody that tried to harm him in any way, shape or form.
I learned that every time my inner child acted up, I did something wrong by committing a crime. That was how my inner child lashed out through my actions. Keeping in touch with my inner child gave me the courage to seek change, learning that whatever crime I committed does not define me and that there are a lot of good qualities I am proud of.
I changed my thought process, and with that I changed my moral values and I learned to love myself once again.