The following is an excerpt from my mentoring class for the older men, ages 40-60.
“Good morning, gentlemen! The year 2022 is almost over. Most of you in this room, including me, are over the age of 40. We have lost friends, family, a lot of money, precious time, and guess what we all have in common? We can NEVER see the ones we lost again, and we can’t go back in time. I want to talk to you this morning, because many of you are depressed over the fact that you can’t be with your families and children for the holidays.
Also, many of you have shared with me that you don’t think you can have a good life once released due to your age. That’s all B.S., and you know it. One thing I tell my at-risk teens and the younger inmates is this: “If you want to be a KING you must give up being a prince.” Now I know you’re SCARED. I’m calling a spade a spade, gentlemen. I’m scared also. I have been gone for over 21 years, but I’m not going to talk negatively, allow self-pity because I am older, or feel I can’t be successful once I’m released in 2024. What you and I have to do is to stop thinking that the ONLY way we can make it is by breaking the law, and not following the RULES. We are more than the names of drug dealers, bank robbers, and a long list of other bad names associated with our crimes. It’s time each and every one of you give yourselves a chance, and not count yourselves out.
Trust me, if you come to me and the other mentors, we will help you. A closed mouth won’t get fed. Put your pride to the side, as its okay not to know everything, or to need to start over.
Let’s also try to eliminate the “after” thinking:
I’ll change after.
I’ll do better after.
I’ll say ‘sorry’ after.
We leave everything for the later, like it’s ours.
What we don’t understand is that:
Afterwards, the coffee gets cold.
Afterwards, your priorities change.
Afterwards, the kids grow up.
Afterwards, parents get old.
Afterwards, the day becomes night.
Afterwards, it’s too late.
Afterwards, LIFE ENDS!
So let us leave nothing for the “after” because NOTHING in life is promised, men. The day is today and the moment is NOW!
Advocate/Mentor
Leonard E. Love