Someone asked me recently, “How are Returning Citizens different from the ordinary person in regard to the search for happiness?” Happiness is one of the most important elements of existence. One doesn’t have to be incarcerated to experience poverty, degradation and/or oppression, but if you are in prison, the chances that you will face such tragic circumstances are greater, and this can influence happiness. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: November 2014
Searching for Happiness after Incarceration
I just had my 41st birthday this week and it’s been very challenging. I had many friends try to get me out of the house to celebrate, but I just wasn’t in the mood. If there is one thing I have learned over the past three years it’s that you can never look at a person and assume that because they seem well put together that they are not facing personal difficulties. Continue reading
How Long Does it Take to Reintegrate After incarceration? Is There An Answer?
I am perplexed by the daunting question of how much time it takes to reintegrate after prison. Maybe there is no concrete answer and it’s purely subjective. I find myself asking many of my acquaintances to answer this question. Continue reading
After Prison, How Much Help Is Too Little or Too Much?
I spent some time talking to a dear friend who spent 20 years in prison. When he became incarcerated he was 20 years old. He has been home for five years. We spoke at length about how long it takes a person to reintegrate after incarceration. It was difficult for him to give me a clear-cut answer to this complex question. Continue reading