10 Things I learned From My First Year in Prison,
1. The worst thing about Prison is the boredom and being separated from your family.
2. It was incredibly difficult for Me to accept that I had no control over what was going on in the real world. Once I acknowledged this fact, it was easier to be here.
3. I discovered gratitude. I am now grateful for so many things I took for granted in the past.
4. I had to work through the guilt and shame I was experiencing from my crime. Guilt and Shame are supposed to be temporary feelings that motivate changes in thinking and behavior. If you allow them to linger (as I did) You will be stuck in a debilitating vat of self pity.
5. The only rehabilitation that occurs in prison is prisoner driven. It is up to Me to better myself. The institution is not going to do it for me.
6. The time I spend in prison can be productive. I am using the time to enhance and maintain my skill set. I am also using this time to re-examine my thinking so I act rationally (as opposed to irrationally) in the future.
7. I am developing a written plan for my post prison career. My plan will have plenty of options. ( Plan A, Plan B. Plan C, etc.).
8. I realize how much pain and suffering I have caused as a result of my crime. I accept this fact. I also realize that it will be impossible for Me to make amends to everyone I have hurt.
9. I have to be able to look in the mirror and like the Man I see. Until I can do this, I will not be much good to anyone, including myself.
10. I am working daily on restoring my self confidence. Without self confidence, my post prison life will be bleak.
Ken Flaska
