Prison Journalism: Embracing Change and Growth in the New Year

Prison Journalism: Embracing Change and Growth in the New YearJonno Knowles was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison and participated in restorative justice while inside the prison.

by Jonno Knowles

10-01-2024 08:28

in Prison Journalism

Prison

Image via Unsplash

So, the new year has begun. By and large, this would mean that resolutions are in order. Most of the time, one wants to leave behind the past. Mistakes, ill behaviour examples, and vendettas need to be left in the past. Last year is just where they belong.

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Internal Transformation Internally, my behaviour needs to change. Always needing and wanting to improve. My biggest goal would be to become the best version of myself. For me and for those around me, but this means a better version of me lures. This I have come to learn after all these years inside prison. The only common denominator is me.

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Plans for Self-Redesign My plans involve redesigning my life. Reconstructing my behaviour, reconstructing my attitude begins with me! That which has not done love, fairness, faith in something bigger than me, is new to me. One would then focus upon and instil in my character. Integrity is the word that sums up and best describes this and many other ways of behaving. Many reasons. No way do I believe that I'm a bad person. That's ridiculous! However, time is always here for improvement.

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Boundaries for Personal Growth This is an aspect that should remain stable. Never waver. Never go over any other person's, and don't let boundaries be overstepped. In my experience, this is the root of my life situation. My being's power is a result of long and ill behaviour patterns. That doesn't mean I should become a snitch! It simply means that I should be resolute and decisive. My no is just that, and my yes should be honoured.

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Faith for Enduring Change Faith implies so much, and believing in that which cannot be seen is just that. Feel it, love it. Having faith is permanent in any successful mission. Even if I cannot see the finest line, my faith helps me to be fellow, wholeheartedly in faith. Thank goodness for this motor. Through my reflections, the way of improving, the way of going toward the better version of me, and improving my life and the world around me is to keep faith.

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Rewards and Action When all is done, let us take action, and yes, the rewards will be clear. My resolutions are just that simple, and in my way of improving, I will end by wishing many and all the best for the new year!

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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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