Prison Journalism: Reflections on the path of resilience

Prison Journalism: Reflections on the path of resilienceWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's research and reintegration project.

by Wesley Leong

20-12-2023 16:38

in Prison Journalism

Prison

Image by unsplash

Just as when you are young, you learn the value of hard work, believing that effort invariably reaps rewards. It's often said that money earned is best spent. All that jazz. So, believe me when I say there is beauty in the struggle and, occasionally, ugliness in success.

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Your Roots To understand your future direction, it's essential to know your origins. Wise figures like Paul the Apostle have offered similar advice. But the way your muscles have developed and how you've grown up to this point have been crucial in your life. Then suddenly, you're faced with a significant challenge, or you encounter a situation where you're overwhelmed and fall short of life's demands. What then? It's crucial to always remember your roots.

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Rush, Rush, Rush From the moment you wake up until you close your eyes at night, your day is filled with incessant busyness. You spend the entire day immersed in routine and comparisons. Yet, living for the moment, the constant hurry and rush is all too common. Taking life more slowly, absorbing daily experiences, can enrich your understanding and wisdom. If not, you're likely to approach your tasks with equal fervour and honour. Slow down, savour the moment, breathe, and continue.

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Hate or Appreciate? There's no time to waste, so you must choose between harboring hatred or embracing love. Consider the three gifts bestowed upon us: family, hope, and love, with love being the most significant. It overpowers darkness with its strength.

Movement, Progression, and Advances Every step forward signifies movement, and such movement, when channeled towards activism, fosters progress and change. No one needs to be harmed, nor should any negativity be allowed to fester. Standing united, others will gradually be drawn to the light, and leadership will naturally emerge. After all, in discerning right from wrong, aren't we all human?

ALSO READ: Prison journalism: Getting along as best I can

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DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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