From Negative to Positive

In The Name of Growth and DevelopmentI have maintained a state of positive, institutional adjustment throughout my incarceration and have successfully navigated the three-year setback given to me by the parole board at my initial hearing. I have dedicated my time in prison to the work of establishing rehabilitation. I have sought out, completed and participated in many activities, groups and programs that focus on and target the correction of criminal-addictive thinking and behaviors.I have directly targeted the most significant risk areas that influenced the criminality that led to my incarceration.In the beginning of my incarceration I asked myself, "How did I get here?". During the therapeutic process and seeking to answer that question, I came to the understanding of "how to stay out of prison." It was through a determined path of rehabilitation that has manifested in me a healthy process of transformation, stability and a life that is lawful. This will insure the success of my reintegration back into society, parole conditions and obedience of the laws of the land. I've grown into a state of mature masculinity. I have also held steady employment throughout my entire incarceration. I've been studious in the concept of work as therapy, education, conditioning and training myself for the routine and maintenance of the responsibility of civil living.I have also been accepted into the "Inmate Worker" program at BSH (Bridgewater State Hospital). It is a privilege given to individuals who meet the criteria of continuous, positive, institutional adjustment and lack of disciplinary issues. Every tool and skill that I have learned has become a part of my thinking and behavior today. These are skills that I practice in my day-to-day life, and will continue to practice once I am released. This books was created with the hope that my journey can guide others who find themselves in the same situation.