Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of my release from federal prison!!!!! Yay!!

There were times, especially right after my release, that I did not think I was going to make it. I had no family support, had lost everything from my home, all my belongings, clothes, jewelry etc. I came out of prison with 2 pairs of shorts, 2 t-shirts and a pair of sweatpants.

What I have realized is that all of those possessions mean nothing without peace of mind. I have much more today then when I was released but more importantly I have that peace of mind.

I had difficulty at first finding a job. I found one and then they went out of business. I put in applications anywhere I could find. I was always honest about my felon status. I had to deal with the embarrassment of discussing my criminal past in interviews. But I did it and it got easier. I have a good job now. After all of the interviews I had 3 job offers in one week! For those of you that have just been released keep perservering!! It will pay off!

I have wonderful and kind people in my life today. People who do not judge me just because I went to prison. I have my wonderful family here on PTO!! I wouldn't trade you for anything!! You all have been a wonderful source of support for me. I cannot tell you how much you all mean to me! Thank you!!

For those of you going to prison please know that your lives are not over! It may seem so at times, I know, but please keep the faith! If I made it with all of the obsticals that I faced than you can too! I am not going to lie and say it is going to be easy. It won't be. But you will come out a stronger person than you were before and with invaluable insight.

Life is wonderful!!

Congratulations for being happy and having a good life one year out.
That certainly should gave others hope.

:)

I should have said life is wonderful but still difficult at times! I will always be a convicted felon. People can be very judgemental. But life is not over just because of this! I realize that is more difficult for some than others. I just consider myself very, very fortunate!

cjjack, your positive energy is leaping right off the screen! I'm so proud of you...and happy that you are living the good life you deserve.

Hugs to you,
Susan

You said it Susan. You can just feel the positive energy. (I think I got a little chill)

cjjack, I am so happy for you. Keep that positive outlook. It is such an inspiration.

Congratulations!!!

Thank you for posting. Happy Anniversary!

Thank you all!

Cjjack...Thank you for the reminder that there is hope esp. when some of us are having hard times dealing with everything...Congrats and best wishes...Keep us posted!!

Congratulations!!! On your one year anniversary...We are all so happy for you...and, everyone is right...about feeling your positive energy...Take care, and, keep on keeping on....*smiles*

Congrats on one year free! We need to here these success stories.. you are an inspiration!

mrs

cjjack~
A big congrats from me to you!! You did it ... Put your hand on your shoulder and give it a "big squeeze" ... its a hug from me to you ... Congrats! One more thing ... You mentioned life is wonderful, but difficult ... You know that is right out of the Big Book ... JOB 2:10??? "Shall we receive only good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" In other words, do we only accept God's good and not His adversity??
I think you know the answer!! :) Way to Go!!!! All the Best! Carolyn

Yes, I am positive about life these days. I just want to reiterate that I have seen my share of dark days since my release. Worrying about a job, money, my kids. Some times I truly believed that I was not going to make it. If it had not been for the love and support of some wonderful people in my life I may have just given up. I felt for the longest time that I was just one step away from going back to prison. I had no particular reason for feeling that way, it was just a very uncomfortable thing. It is SO important to have support after your release. It makes all the difference. When times do get hard, as they will, you need someone to talk to or vent to or just to be there.

Oh Chrisa...I am so proud of you and share in your excitement! Thank you for sharing your feelings. They just reinforce my intuition that I need to keep my reassuring my friend that everything is going to be okay when he gets out after fifteen years down. Big Anniversary Wishes to you!!

Congratulations Chrisa! I can feel all of your positive energy, excitement for life, and passion for living. I wish I could shrink you up and keep you in my pocket for inspiration 24/7. You have been a tremendous help to me, and I'm counting on you being here when I come home and face a whole new set of challenges. You're the BEST!!!

Sheryl

Congrats to you both

Congratulations!!!!

A bit late, I know, but congrats on your anniversary...here's hoping for many, many, many more!!!!!!!! :)
Wendy

Thanks for sharing your news with us. I love your energy. I wish you continued success, happiness and joy!

Take care,
Patty

Chrisa,

I apologize for missing your one year anniversery! Congratulations.

Your positive attitude and spirit have helped Linda and I stay positive and strong when things are rough.

Thank You, I am proud to call you my friend and I am proud of you!

Patti

Congrats! :)

Thank you so much for sharing that. Also happy 1 year and many more to come.