"We're going to get out of this" - From Chrys out of prison for 3 years
Today’s lesson is given to you by Chrys who was released from prison three years and three days ago! He was a member of our very first Core Team, the group of prison residents who organized the first TEDxDonovanCorrectional event. While in prison, he was a mentor and guide to his fellow team members and the other residents on the yard. Now, he’s being the best dad to his kids, giving them the love and life they deserve.
Here’s a bit of his mentorship for you, because he’s gone “from doing time in the ‘big house’ to doing time in [his] own big house”:
“You might feel alone. but we all are there together. Someone is there with you and for you.”
“I know what it feels to run out of toilet paper, ask for toilet paper and no one gives it to you. I know the feeling.”
“Things are going to happen but we cannot control everything.”
“This is not the time to be frustrated and be upset. It’s time to reflect. On your life, on the things you need to do. How can I be helpful? How can I make a change? What can I do? There’s plenty you can do.”
"Don't let this [current situation] tear your life apart, on the inside, because that's what matter the most." "We're going to come out of this, but you need to come out of it in [your mind] and in [your heart."
(Plus, discover what he's doing for others during this time.)
Invitation: When you feel that you cannot change a situation or circumstances, recognize that you can change your perspective, by “coming out of it” in your mind and in your heart, like Chrys suggests. Shift one thought about your current situation and let the rest unfold.
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.