Reflections

It feels as though I am in a perpetual state of turmoil, as I am now in a world of criminals and feel as if I don't belong here.Where I once thrived I now find myself with anxiety and realization of what life is really about. But yet I'm trapped in this world and it is going to be a constant fight to someday regain my freedom.

So this last week having time to myself, locked in a cell, has really made me reflect on life and where I'm at. While I am not happy about my physical location, I am happy about the man I've become. Looking back on who I was, I don't even recognize that boy anymore.


I have become a man that is respectable, and I like the person I see when I look in the mirror. I believe I can be a productive member of society, I believe I can give back to the community to outreach the youth of America and show them that I am living proof of change.


I believe in another chance, especially for people who were so young, and have shown a change.


The world in which I live in, within these walls, is very much against my ideals and to change. I often receive criticism for the way I operate and conduct myself. Sometimes referred to as "soft", or "scared", a "square", "not down". I will be all that but I'm proud of who I've become. A man of morals, not the morals of a criminal, but the morals of a good person.


We are always going to have those who criticize and condemn. The ones who want to hold you down. But I always look to rise above, beyond and move forward.


If I were able to enter back into society, given a second chance, I know that I would do great, I have a great support system of family and friends. I know who I am, what I want and I know where I am going. With my dark past, I can do only one thing, that is to continue to move forward toward the light.


And I won't stop,  I will continue to work hard every day for the betterment of myself and those around me. Not through words but by actions. To lead by example as I have done and I'm doing right now being involved in positive things such as furthering my education (I have 3 certificates related to Small Business Management and I'm currently learning a second language), my artwork which I enjoy sharing with the outside world, and volunteer programs such as "Build a Bear Program" in which I have been involved for more than 2 years. In addition, I will be helping to teach painting. As you already know Art is my passion and I want to share it with my fellow man around me.



Thank you for your time. Please feel free to contact me with questions.
Have a wonderful day.

Taylor Conley