Spiritual Survival Guide
7: Surviving Spiritually Beyond Prison
From Where We Sit: Advice From Former Prisoners
• Keep in touch with family members. Rebuild relationships. Be genuine in building bonds of trust. • Talk to your children. Apologize for not being there. Stay involved. Write or call weekly. • Treat others with dignity and respect. If you do, you will most likely be treated that way.
• Change what is inside your head. Rethink, relearn, and renew your mind. • Live right now. Live in prison as you envision you will live when you are back in community—with a positive attitude, responsible behavior, and good healthy habits. • Set realistic goals and begin taking the necessary steps to achieve them now. • Be patient with yourself and others. Take one day at a time. Hush the rush! • Persevere—do not give up! Stay the course and recognize your need to be strengthened. • Think before you act. One stupid, emotional moment has the ability to set us back. • No one owes you anything. So don’t keep any chips on your shoulder. • Find out who you are. What is your identity? How are you unique? What are your strengths? Capitalize on them. What are your weaknesses? Know them. This is where you need help from others. • Maintain an attitude of gratitude; keep a positive focus in every situation. • Apologize to those you’ve harmed (whenever possible). Review offenses daily.
• Take time out to read—this book included!
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