Words from the Wise

December 5, 2012
3 hours

The program brings in many speakers that talk about their own experience. In one of many presentations one of the speakers told them once again that the choices that they make have consequences, whether it be good or bad. They're lucky to even still be alive in the streets because he has had friend that were just like them thinking that nothing would happen to them and they are either in prison or dead. They don't want to have the prison experience they had because in there there are no friends, there is no privacy. There so called 'hommies" aren't there to protect them or do the time with them. Once they get out of prison or county jail it's like they have to rebuild a whole new life with even more obstacles. Their "hommies" for sure aren't going to be around to lend them a hand to help them et back on their toes while staying out of trouble.

They understand it's difficult to have goals because you don't see instant gradification but one of the speakers said "You either get it or you get it taken away," referring to the fact that once any one of them goes to prison you loose ever right you have. An analogy that was used by a person that participates in the program, Alternative to Expulsion, was that life is like a hill; it gets steeper, steeper, wet and slippery. The hill has a beginning, middle and an end; all the people that have talked to them have been to the top of the hill and know what there and the pot holes that are on they way. They have an option to listen to what they are being told about hose pot holes or experience it themselves.

Stand up for what you believe in and don't let people tell you what you are or what you can and can't achieve because you are the person that builds that character, value who you are. Sometimes people will shape who you are and make you believe that you are that. Try testing your "hommies" out and just quickly pay attention to see if they help towards building your character. 

No one is an island, our choices affect every single person around us. Before making a decision ask yourself, "Is that going to take me to what I want to do?" We all ahve a purpose in this life, its a step by step thing; where you learn may things on the way. A lifestyle can be more addicting than a drug it's never too late unless.. you die.