Australia's National Prison Newspaper

Australia's National
Prison Newspaper

ISSUE NO. 7

February 2025

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Letters

"Use Your Time”, Don’t “Do Your Time”

By

Ronan

Ronan writes from Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre in Queensland.

Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash

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Before anything I am a human being. As I’ve learnt, this is quite important to remember. Because labels don’t really matter in the end. They are just illusions. They create division amongst us. Artificial social statuses and worldly belongings that are temporary. All can be lost and forgotten at any moment. I know this all too well. What matters is what we do and who we are when we are stripped of all those “things”. That is what connects us all. It doesn’t matter about this relation or that nationality, man or women, beyond them all we are human first. If we remind ourselves of this first and foremost, it connects us all. Going beyond any differences between us. What matters is what you do today, and the impact you have on those around you.

There is something special about prison. It’s a chance to step away from our lifestyles and families. Things that we become so attached to. Here, stripped of everything you thought made you who you are. You can build upon who you really are.

Instead of focusing on all the things that are out of your control or reached; focus on what is possible with the time you have. Learn how to “use your time” not “do your time”. Pick up a book, get to training, become organised. Everyday, make votes towards the person you aspire to be.

The last thing you want to do is walk out those gates and say “I should have done more”.

Before anything I am a human being. As I’ve learnt, this is quite important to remember. Because labels don’t really matter in the end. They are just illusions. They create division amongst us. Artificial social statuses and worldly belongings that are temporary. All can be lost and forgotten at any moment. I know this all too well. What matters is what we do and who we are when we are stripped of all those “things”. That is what connects us all. It doesn’t matter about this relation or that nationality, man or women, beyond them all we are human first. If we remind ourselves of this first and foremost, it connects us all. Going beyond any differences between us. What matters is what you do today, and the impact you have on those around you.

There is something special about prison. It’s a chance to step away from our lifestyles and families. Things that we become so attached to. Here, stripped of everything you thought made you who you are. You can build upon who you really are.

Instead of focusing on all the things that are out of your control or reached; focus on what is possible with the time you have. Learn how to “use your time” not “do your time”. Pick up a book, get to training, become organised. Everyday, make votes towards the person you aspire to be.

The last thing you want to do is walk out those gates and say “I should have done more”.

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