🔵 By Shane Espinoza. Photo by lauragrafie.
How many people fear the unknown? My journey through prison has revealed that numerous people get really comfortable with their living situations and routines. Change something and panic sets in. I had the opportunity to move from a medium security facility to a minimum one. There were numerous people who voiced their opinions about why I should not go. It’s always amused me that there are so many people constantly wanting their opinions to be mine. I’ve always been the keeper of my own thoughts and make my own judgments. Some people were excited about my opportunity and said that I would do well. I made the choice to put in for the move. I wanted the unknown of it all. I embraced the feelings this choice invoked. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I realized that I, too, had become comfortable in my surroundings. I was restless with my complacency. How would I figure this out?
Did you know hat opportunities present themselves to those who are open to them? I had always known this and the universe presented me with a job opportunity at the minimum. I asked for the job and the transfer. I got both. As I was preparing to move my imagination began to run wild. I thought of all the things I would deal with in a new institution. I thought about all of the nonsense and politics. I dealt with if before and could handle it again. Then I remembered that we get what we expect. If I expected these things then I would receive them. Think about it! Expect a different cellie and you get one. Think the food will be awful and it is. Think people are disrespectful and they are. Yet, when I expect to find like-minded people with good hearts, they show up. I think my situation will be fine and it is. Life is exactly what we make of it. I always tell people to “live as if”. Meaning to act and think the way you want things to be and they will be. Don’t wait for the “when this happens then I will be able to x”. why not do it now?
The unknown can be scary, but I embrace it and all it has to offer. Because of this I have ended up in a really positive situation that allows me to continue to explore, learn and grow. What could you be doing right now to ensure that the unknown can be approached with more confidence?