Monday, August 20, 2018

Those Who Succeed From Prison and Those Who Do Not by Jeff Utnage

Since coming to prison (yes, I am currently in prison, as I write this very email...shocker) I have seen the difference between a successful re-entry into society and unsuccessful. This difference is self-discipline and drive. Let me explain.

As an inmate I get to see the real people. Because we are living with each other 24 hours a day I get to see their worst and their best, for example:
1. I know who all the early risers are and I know who has trouble getting up by lunch and I know why
2. I know who will do drugs again and who won't
3. I know who truly believes in their religion and who is doing of because they are desperately seeking acceptance and the second something more popular accepts them...best believe they're gone
4. I know who's gay and who's faking it to get attention

It is not just me though, we all know. You know who doesn't have a clue? DOC, legislative figures, Correctional Industries (the nonprofit version of Satan...in my humble homo opinion), and most of all...you.

However, I can tell you that I limit my interactions with those I see are unwilling to do what it takes to succeed. Let's take the writers for lgbtqprisonsupport.com as an example. I know these men, I know their hearts and more importantly, I understand their drive. These guys get up with purpose. They don't just stumble about the day wondering what to do next, no, they know who they are and what they are about. We all run in the same direction even if its in different social circles...we just keep seeing each other succeed.

I'm not a fortune teller, circumstances can change tomorrow and you just can't see the depths of a persons heart unless they show it to you.

That's the purpose of a site like lgbtqprisonsupport.com, for us to show our hearts. Sure, we have our ugly spots and shortcomings, but we have love and goals and a willingness to give back to our communities. We have wronged folks along the way but take a look within yourself, can anyone reading this say you haven't wronged people or made an enemy because you were being selfish?

Cannot wait to tell the world about the heart of...us, in all its in facets.

With Love
Jeff "Jeffebelle" Utnage

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