Fresh start once you’re released from prison
You just had an accident. You were driving in the midfield until you took a corner a little too sharply and overturned yourself. You crashed into the guardrail and your car is pretty much in shambles at this point.
Race officials impound your car and park it behind barbed wire, out of reach and sight of your pit crew. They tell you, “We’ll let you out before the race is over.“
Well, that sounds tempting! You can get back on the track and maybe even finish the race. But they don’t give you any tools. – Nothing at all. If you’re lucky, you have a screwdriver under your seat. But even that is not enough to repair the damage. You need help, but there isn’t any.
At this point, many drivers would say they can’t do it. They leave their vehicle and go to the snack bar or find a friend to spend the rest of the race with. Some shout through the fence, “That’s not fair!” They are out of the race, so no one listens to them.
You don’t give up. You are determined to fix the crooked axle and return to the race. With the screwdriver, you lift the bumper and use it as a pry bar to straighten the body and axle. You notice that the axle is challenging to pull with the thin metal of the bumper, so you begin to whip it back into shape with a nearby rock.
Meanwhile, men in suits enter the storage room. One by one, they explain: “I’m from Pennzoil. We don’t sponsor losers or executives who behave irresponsibly.” Then each company’s representative removes their logo from your car. You try explaining that it was an accident, but no one listens. They want nothing more to do with you. You’re a risk, and they can’t trust you with their good name anymore.
At the same time, random track commissioners pass by your slowly improving wreckage and hit it with hammers. One asshole in particular rams a nail into your tire.
There are other drivers here, some from today’s race, others from long ago. A few are working on their own cars, but most have given up. Some try to steal parts from your car when you’re not looking. They need those parts themselves or want to sell them to someone else.
Finally, after what feels like years, when you almost give up from exhaustion, you are allowed back on the track. You’re a hundred laps behind with a flat tire, the other drivers no longer take you seriously, you have no trust from sponsors or fans, your car is behaving erratically, your pit crew has given up and gone home, and a tow truck has been assigned to follow you everywhere and return you to the depot at the first sign of trouble.
That’s the kind of “fresh start” you get after jail.
What you can do
Getting released from prison can be both exciting and daunting. You’re finally free from the confines of your cell, but the challenges of reentering society can be overwhelming. Finding employment, housing, and building relationships with family and friends can all be challenging. However, with the right mindset and preparation, it’s possible to start fresh and make a successful life post-incarceration.
Here are some steps you can take to give yourself the best chance at success:
Before you’re released, take the time to create a plan. Identify your goals and develop a strategy to achieve them. This could include finding employment, securing housing, or reconnecting with family and friends. Creating a plan will help you stay focused and motivated.
- Seek support
Reentering society can be challenging, so seeking support from people who understand what you’re going through is essential. Reach out to support groups, reentry programs, or other resources in your community. They can provide guidance, advice, and a sense of community.
- Stay positive
Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial to success. It’s essential to stay optimistic and focus on your goals. This will help you overcome any obstacles you encounter along the way.
- Be honest
Honesty is the foundation of building trust. Be honest about your past, struggles, and goals with yourself and others. This will help you build strong relationships with family, friends, and employers.
- Learn new skills
Learning new skills can help you increase your employability and build your confidence. Consider taking classes or workshops to develop new skills or improve existing ones.
With these steps, you can start fresh and build a successful life post-incarceration. Remember, it won’t be easy, but achieving your goals and creating a bright future is possible with the right mindset and support.