We are the PRODUCT of what we tell ourselves - CHANGE the narrative!
I fondly remember the time I was teaching in prison. I met a young man whose actions stood out to me.
On one of our discussions, this once bold, loud mouth man became quite tearful.
I was passionately talking about changing our narratives, and what happened in our past does not define our future.
Opportunity
I took the opportunity afterwards to talk to him some more and I learned that he was from a family of offenders.
His great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and now him were all guest at HER MAJESTY prison.
Only now, he learned that his girlfriend gave birth to his son.
The scripts have now changed for him, and he was now thinking about someone else besides carrying on the family's tradition.
Discussion
In our brief discussion, he explained how much he wanted to change, but he felt he would fail, given his family's past.
That young man shared all his hopes and dreams for a future that was free from crime. A clean slate, a chance, that was all he wanted to have.
My preparation for him was in the form of a workbook. I had to quickly think because he could suddenly change prison without prior notice.
The Change
As the weeks steadily went on, I slowly saw the tremendous change in this young man's action, speech and intentions.
One day he asked me if it was okay to give my name as a reference for him when he got out of prison.
This young man wanted to open a business to mentor young men like him in a similar position with similar backgrounds and experiences. How amazing was that?
Several years afterwards, I received an email from the prison asking if I would give a reference for this awesome young man.
Can you imagine how happy I felt to have made a positive change in this young man's life?
Our chance
Today, we are here with all different past, all different experiences and backgrounds.
This is what makes us who we are, but this is NOT what determines our future.
Our mindset can be the determining factor in how we change our narrative.
- Yes, I understand that you had business before and they were not successful
- Someone scammed you in an online business venture
That is all in the past.
- Why are you carrying that heavy weight in your mind?
- You need to unload that negative weight to be able to go forward on this challenging journey.
- Get rid of the what-ifs and change your narrative
Today we are gifted with an opportunity to change our lives, a chance to make better of our present circumstances.
This young man changed his scripts and the script of his son and future. You have the chance of doing that today.
Until next time,
Simone
Recent Comments
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Simone, This blog is totally AWESOME. I can relate to your experience. And our Narrative does make the difference. What you were able to do is HELP him change his narrative! We do not know the knocks others have experienced; but we can always offer a hand up, and help the narrative to change in their minds.
When I get up in the morning, I often heard my mind and mouth saying, "I have so MUCH for which to be thankful!" Then I feel totally happy and at peace for my day.
Blessings to you Simone. Thank you for sharing this. Shirley
Thank you, Shirley for reading my blog
Our narrative does make the difference. I am pleased that not only was his narrative changed, but that of his little boy as well.
Thank you for stopping by. I love hearing from you
I taught in a male prison for 3 years. I found it highly rewarding. I taught ESL and ABE, really enjoyed it.
Awesome Shirley
I spent 5 years teaching at the prison. I taught ESL, Maths and Personal Development.
It was such a rewarding period. :)
Wow, very inspiring post my friend Simone!
That must have been a fantastic feeling, knowing that you positively changed that man's life. Do you know how he is doing today?
I totally agree that our past doesn't define our futures, we all have the opportunity to change when moving forward with our lives.
I hope everything is fine and have a wonderful evening my friend!:-)
Hi Nick. That was a long and lasting feeling for me up until this day.
That was a powerful moment that led me to some deep research.
We were also taught that we can be the agent of change and that experience strengthen my belief
Unfortunately, since I gave him a reference, I haven't heard anything about him.
I'm happy to hear that the experience has had a positive effect on your life to this day Simone.
"Agent of change", I like that a lot my friend!
Well, here's hoping that he is doing great things today.
I believe in my heart that he is doing good
You're an agent of change too, Nick
Have a look on all your responses to blogs
It's important to believe in ones heart my friend, I believe he is doing well too.
If I was able to inspire, help or assist anyone in a positive way here then that makes me extremely happy Simone, thanks a lot for saying so!:-)
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What a beautiful story! I love how that man changed his narrative. I am writing to prisoners in the US and it's also opening my eyes to many things. I try to help them in any way I can.
You made a difference in that man's life. He will not forget what you did for him.
Thank you, Christine
Your difference will be a huge factor of change in those prisoners life as well
Thank you for reading my blog