Owning Your Shit-The Ultimate Power Move
Walking out of prison into the world beyond presents a fork in the road — one path leads to concealing the shadows of incarceration, while the other involves boldly owning your past, and wearing it as armor. In my journey, I chose the latter, not out of choice but necessity. My case was public, the headlines were unkind, and Google was not a nice narrator of my story. It was then that I realized the ultimate power move lay in embracing the truth, wrapping it around me like a cloak, and transforming the chaos into something beautiful.
The Decision to Own It:
In a world where whispers of a criminal record can tarnish one’s reputation, many choose to keep their prison history under wraps. But for me, there was no option to hide. The articles and media coverage were relentless, and facing it head-on was the only way to navigate this transition. I decided to lean into the mess I had made, turning my vulnerability into strength. Owning my incarceration became not just a choice but a survival strategy.
The Art of Transparency:
Some individuals manage to slip through the cracks of anonymity during their time in prison, emerging on the other side with the ability to maintain a covert status. The mental toll of concealing my felonies would be overwhelming and I knew I could not handle it. Instead, I find empowerment in transparency. When I enter a room, I don’t shy away from the truth — the ankle monitor may not be visible, but it is not a secret, and my journey is an open book. The knowledge that powerful individuals are aware of my past and still choose to share the same space brings an unexpected comfort.
Ripping Off the Bandaid:
While conventional conversations often begin with light-hearted banter, I choose to rip off the bandaid early on. My felony is not a topic to be tiptoed around; it’s a badge of honor. I proudly wear the scars earned on this battlefield of life. Sharing my story, unfiltered and unapologetic, becomes an act of empowerment. I went to war for my own redemption and emerged stronger than ever, ready to narrate a story of resilience.
Conclusion:
In a world that often seeks perfection and shies away from the messy realities of life, owning your shit becomes the ultimate power move. Embracing the truth, regardless of its ugliness, is a testament to strength, resilience, and authenticity. I wear my felony like a badge of honor because it’s not just a mark of my past; it’s a symbol of the battles I’ve fought and the triumphs that followed. The power move lies not in concealing the scars but in showcasing them as a testament to the strength gained through adversity.
