Prison Journalism: You do good, believe you do goodending up doing no good!

Prison Journalism: You do good, believe you do good ending up doing no good!Wesley 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

14-03-2024 09:22

in Prison Journalism

Prison Image by Unsplash

It takes a lot to do the wrong thing, yet it takes so much more to say you are sorry for the wrong you committed. Easier said than done.

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Support is not support if it is expected that you slip up! Neither is the support from a close friend, family member, etc., genuinely supportive if the moment you make a mistake, it is brutal. The support essentially expects you to mess up, and this is always the case.

How do you keep on track, knowing that the result expected is fault? After you lose, after all the pain, pressure, and disappointment, the pressure that is laid upon you is incredible. How do you manage to keep a positive mindset, a positive track towards a positive future? No matter how hard you try to maintain this pressure, it's sad for oneself.

The days as we used to know them are no longer! When we were younger, it was not so hard to say you're sorry for the wrong you've done; you were forgiven, and it was never mentioned to you again. This helped as it gave you a boost of confidence to pursue better options for your life no longer is this the case.

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When I was released, I was taught not to apologise for your wrongs! After I came out of prison, I doubted going to the victim's family to whom I did harm! This was a complete shock to me. Unexpectedly, I went to the deceased's family and asked for forgiveness for taking a life. I expected a shock, but instead, I was told that they forgave me, and I am believed to be part of their family as their son.

Forgiveness is difficult for most, and it is hard to regret less when life seems like it is not powerless! If you forgive, then never should you remind of your forgiveness; regret less and expect only a bit the best. In this case, it will always remain harmless. So, the pardoned does not need to feel that even with the support, you don't have to feel that you will slip up, and that is the result obtained from the ones supporting you.

Always expect the best, however, be prepared for the worst! They say never let your past determine your future. No matter what you did in your past, if you changed and came to make a difference, nobody can determine your outcome moving forward in life.

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Those that came and help you in changing your wrongs! People will always talk, and talk, and talk some more until the day you heal the world. One thing I know is that people that truly are supportive are all those that stand by regardless. Keep your eye on the ball, not the fall.

Feet up, show up, and head in the direction! Wrong daily will always be there to guide you off the factors. The hope is that you learn from it and see it as a stepping stone, and this is that you are not a loser if your heart the boss; believe me, this is what for your growth. Get up in the morning! I stayed up for many years daily and head in the direction of others that stand for the same objectives as you!

Discipline always equals freedom!

DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

Should you wish to assist in the rehabilitation of former inmates and help put money into the pockets of those who have struggled to earn a living during and after incarceration, click HERE

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

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