I had an interesting conversation with one of the guys in here on Friday night while walking the track. The track is clearly like therapy time for me lately. I find it surprising how much I am enjoying talking with the guys at night… It’s usually right after sunset and a lot of the campus has gone home so it is calm and peaceful out there. Perfect setting to walk…uninterrupted… and talk.
The guy that I was walking with has been in and out of prison for 19 years… 6 different incarcerations… and had a lot to say about the knowledge that he has acquired along the way. As I digested the conversation… I realized that many of his points are applicable in real life as well as in here so I wanted to share the “cliff note” version.
He talked about his “7 rules of survival” and he started with…
1) Honor. The importance of conducting yourself with truth and fairness. Your word is your bond so give your word power by adhering to it. Honor the people closest to you with reverence and respect. As he stated, “A dude that really lives that honorable life… that moerfuer has real internal strength and nobility.”
2) Protection. Let no one and nothing take you off your path toward positive progress. Protect your time, your emotions and your goals. You are either a sheep or a wolf… your actions will tell you which one.
3) Knowledge. Knowledge is power. Constantly seek to expand your mind.
4) Change. Adapting and changing are essential for growth and survival. This ability to change is the mark of insight into the bigger picture of life and your role in it.
5) Responsibility. Pay all debts. Pull your own weight. Genuinely hear and consider all sides when in a discussion. Treat others with equity and fairness… always expect the same.
6) Balance. You get back what you put out… this goes for attitude, effort and demeanor.
7) Control. Be careful not to lose control of your anger, hostility or emotions. Control is the mark of a disciplined mind.
Obviously, these are extremely condensed versions of the actual conversation and put into my own words (for the most part). But I found the conversation tremendously relevant to my life in here and think it rings true outside these walls as well.
Such a unique world I am in… full of insight while full of so much pain… full of society’s outcasts but full of lessons to be learned. I find that I am learning so much… and I will take every lesson with me on the other side of my journey… picking more up with each lap around that track.