-Phil D, Avenal State Prison in Avenal, CA
Just a reminder to you all that things may not look too good right now while looking out the cell window, but I promise you that things will start to change when you look within yourself. My life was a mess for over forty years, till I got arrested.
Everything I ever had was stripped away from me, and I was at rock bottom. So I started to take advantage of all the help I could get, especially the mental health programs. They help me to look back and see why I was acting a fool, and I realize that I had a hurt little kid inside me that just wanted to be heard.
I started talking about the pain of my past, and I started to unload all the baggage that was holding me back. At first it was not easy telling someone. I didn’t know my personal business, but I trusted the process, and here I am telling you that it worked. Now I use my life to encourage others. It won’t be easy at first, but it can be done.
Remember, you are loved, and you truly matter. I know that the system seems like it doesn’t care, but there are some that do care. Don’t let fear or shame or even embarrassment stop you from crying out for help. Listen to your heart, you can do it.
Till next time.