Is this happening TO you? Or FOR you?

Yesterday, I realized that I have a unique perspective into confinement thanks to my past 4.5 years engaging several times a week with the world's leading experts on confinement: prison residents. For the month of April, I will provide a daily lesson learned in prison that will hopefully help us to survive and even thrive while confined to our homes.

Today, acknowledging the fear and anxiety we likely have all felt over the past days and weeks, I turn to prison residents to learn from them.

When they first arrive in prison, prison residents are often stuck in believing that their situation is happening TO them, which creates a victim mindset.

Some, at a point in their incarceration, realize that their situation is happening FOR them. Hidden in the constraints, negativity and violence of their daily struggles are opportunities and gifts.

Watch the video to hear how prison residents shift their perspectives.

So, I ask you, is your current situation happening TO you? Or FOR you?

My invitation: Every day, take a moment to capture all the ways the current confinement has worked FOR you. Similarly to a gratitude practice, this is best done as a family, or written down in a journal.

Please do share the gifts and opportunities this situation is creating FOR you.

This is part of a series. You see, on April 1st, I realized that I have a unique perspective into confinement thanks to my past 4.5 years engaging several times a week with the world's leading experts on confinement: prison residents. For the month of April, I will provide a daily lesson learned in prison that will hopefully help us to survive and even thrive while confined to our homes. Go forward and back to enjoy each daily lesson.