Better Man

Who cares if the glass is half empty or half full....drink it up!  Hello to 2014.  Hello to life.  One year less here in this prison. 

Everyone looks back, the year-in-review and takes some sort of tally.  When I look back over my 2013, I'm seeing some wonderful stuff that took place.  My institution locked me up for the Jailbird blog.  I was quickly released and changed housing to a better dorm than I was prior.  So that worked out nice.  Next, they tried to pass a revision to the rule book, or Chapter 33 as they call it.  The rule proposal would make inmates directly or indirectly involved with media such as e-mail, blogs or Facebook a violation.  Both the ACLU and the Florida Civil Liberties board came to our defense and made Tallahassee terminate this proposed rule change.  Since it is unconstitutional and even prisoners have rights to free speech.  Even through blogs and Facebook.  Another big victory for the men in blue.

I have noticed personal changes.  My ability to roll with things and see the good, even in really shitty people.  Perhaps your glass truly is completely empty.  I still try to see something in there.  May not be much, but thank God for happy hour!!  Drinks are on me!

I look at my mother.  The absolute peace she has.  I want to know that peace.  She raised me telling me it's the peace of God.  His peace passes all understanding.  There are many things I don't fully understand, yet I still find peace in that.  So perhaps I too have found His peace.  

I spoke to an officer the other day.  After we spoke for a few moments he asked if I was a Godly man.  I don't think anyone has ever asked me such a question, and definitely not in my current situation.  My reply to him was that I am a man always seeking to be better.  I saw a sincere smile stretch across the officers entire face.  For a moment we were just two men having an in-depth conversation.  I walked away impacted by our conversation and looking back I believe he did too.

That's how I closed out my 2013.  I'm not a man for new year resolutions.....rather if my life needs to change, I'm going to do it today.  Resolutions are like saying "sure, I know the car needs new tires and a brake job, but let's wait until January 1st to do it!!"  It's just silly people.

If you consider the resolution, it's obviously something you truly need.  But!!  If your going to wait until net year to do it?  Chances are you'll never get around to it.  I'm able to look back over my past year and see accomplished resolutions because I handled that shit the very day I felt I needed to change.  And that's how I can look at my sergeant and mean it when I say...."I'm a man seeking to be better."

You may not agree with me and see things the way I do, but if you stick around long enough I'll give you something to think about.  If nothing more, be blessed at least that one prisoner truly is trying to be released as a productive member of society.