I felt empowered to tell the world
Telling My Story was the light at the end of the tunnel for me while I was incarcerated. When I got out I had meetings and groups for a period of time, but the farther I got from incarceration and treatment, the less I talked about it. I talked about hard things with my personal support network, but lost my voice of empowerment. I was no longer talking about positive things; I was always talking about the negative and how to change the negative in order to function in the “real world”. When I was in the program, I felt empowered to tell the world that I had messed up and I was messed up, but that that was just a piece of who I am.
I miss that voice and I miss those listeners that really wanted to hear me, all of me, because they understood and/or wanted to learn. I think that having that sense of empowerment after the program is over could help those reintegrate into society and help them continue to use this voice that the program has given them.
My idea for this would be to have a part of Telling My Story’s web site dedicated to continuing to hear those voices. A place where past members and those associated with the program could share with others. A place to share stories of fiction or truth, poems, or even testimonials. I don’t know the exact set-up of web sites or blogs but I know the voice I found in the program, and those I heard, should have a place where they feel safe to keep talking. Feeling wanted and safe, in terms of emotional safety, I think is a key to keep us talking.
- Lindsey
PATI I HOPE IM DOING THIS RIGHT YOU KNOW HOW BAD I AM WITH COMPUTERS I HAVE YOUR NUMBER AND I WILL CALL YOU TODAY LOVE KATHY
Hi Patty! I’m doing really good and I thank you for bringing “Telling My Story” to me. It changed my life and the way my family looks at me now. Miss you and love you!!
Hey Patti and Lindsey this is a great website I love the forum and the opportunity to voice my experiences about the program and it’s positive affects on my life. I have very strong intentions of implementing “Telling My Story” in my own organization for youth. I think that it truly empowers people as lindsey said and I want to have that type of encouragement in my program as well.
hello sweet Pati i found my way here you where my light in my darkest hour and i want to be a part of what you have to give to others you have changed me in sooo many ways and i want to share it with you and anyone else who may be where i came from there is hope put a little faith in yourself and follow Pati she will take you places you thought you could never go i love you so very much
Malika. It is so good to hear from you. It was great working with you. Thanks for your words and support. Lets keep collaborating! Keep in touch. Saludos and much peace, Pati.