Greetings to you all! My name is Johnny and I am currently locked up at Long Bay. Reading all the letters sent by everyone over the past four issues of ‘About Time’ has been such an eye-opener for me. I’ve found myself looking forward to the next issue to see and learn from other peoples’ experiences that they so bravely share with us! Reading everyone's personal experiences and advice has affected me in such a positive way that I finally decided to put pen to paper and share some of my own experiences over the past three years and the changes I have made that may change your life, as they did mine.
Being in control of my emotions/anger, for me, was the most difficult to control and I’m sure it may be the same for other brothers and sisters incarcerated at the moment. It may even be the reason you’re locked up. In 2022, I received charges for two prison fights, and last year I found myself being charged again for another staff assault – all while being on remand for violent offences I received jail time for. Since 2022, I’ve spent just over 20 months in segregation for my behaviour. 2024 however, has been my best year so far. I’ve had no violent charges this year and no outside charges. The thing that has allowed me to be this progressive is being in control of my emotions. Being in control of your emotions requires a lot of patience, realising and being alert to what you are feeling in an exact moment, and not letting your emotions make impulsive decisions that you’ll come to regret. Being in control allows you to take control of certain situations that may be dangerous or stressful. Once I finally took control, I found myself being so much happier; I stopped my violent habits and behaviours, and relationships with my loved ones bloomed. The main thing I found was that I really understood who I was as a person and it led to an inner peace I’d never experienced before. It has allowed me to think about how my actions might affect others and the consequences I’d bring upon myself.
Ever since I made the change, I really started to see others and how their lack of control led themselves to their own demise, without even the slightest bit of realisation. I’ve seen how not being in control makes people lash out without thought and places them in worse situations. I also realised that I was once that person and the majority of the troubles I've gone through have all been due to the fact my emotions were making the decisions and not my mind.
The domino effect it has had on my life has been nothing short of transforming! For people like us to last outside and really give it a good crack, being in control of your emotions is the only thing that gives us a fighting chance at not coming back. If there’s anything in this world I’d suggest giving a go, it is this. The happiness, freedom and prosperity that comes with it is something that I pray you all experience. I hope it changes your life the way it has with mine!! God bless and soon home to you all!
Regards,
Johnny
Greetings to you all! My name is Johnny and I am currently locked up at Long Bay. Reading all the letters sent by everyone over the past four issues of ‘About Time’ has been such an eye-opener for me. I’ve found myself looking forward to the next issue to see and learn from other peoples’ experiences that they so bravely share with us! Reading everyone's personal experiences and advice has affected me in such a positive way that I finally decided to put pen to paper and share some of my own experiences over the past three years and the changes I have made that may change your life, as they did mine.
Being in control of my emotions/anger, for me, was the most difficult to control and I’m sure it may be the same for other brothers and sisters incarcerated at the moment. It may even be the reason you’re locked up. In 2022, I received charges for two prison fights, and last year I found myself being charged again for another staff assault – all while being on remand for violent offences I received jail time for. Since 2022, I’ve spent just over 20 months in segregation for my behaviour. 2024 however, has been my best year so far. I’ve had no violent charges this year and no outside charges. The thing that has allowed me to be this progressive is being in control of my emotions. Being in control of your emotions requires a lot of patience, realising and being alert to what you are feeling in an exact moment, and not letting your emotions make impulsive decisions that you’ll come to regret. Being in control allows you to take control of certain situations that may be dangerous or stressful. Once I finally took control, I found myself being so much happier; I stopped my violent habits and behaviours, and relationships with my loved ones bloomed. The main thing I found was that I really understood who I was as a person and it led to an inner peace I’d never experienced before. It has allowed me to think about how my actions might affect others and the consequences I’d bring upon myself.
Ever since I made the change, I really started to see others and how their lack of control led themselves to their own demise, without even the slightest bit of realisation. I’ve seen how not being in control makes people lash out without thought and places them in worse situations. I also realised that I was once that person and the majority of the troubles I've gone through have all been due to the fact my emotions were making the decisions and not my mind.
The domino effect it has had on my life has been nothing short of transforming! For people like us to last outside and really give it a good crack, being in control of your emotions is the only thing that gives us a fighting chance at not coming back. If there’s anything in this world I’d suggest giving a go, it is this. The happiness, freedom and prosperity that comes with it is something that I pray you all experience. I hope it changes your life the way it has with mine!! God bless and soon home to you all!
Regards,
Johnny
