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How Clarity Changes Perspective
A Story from Prison — Psychological Innocence.
“If you were able to fall a hundred times as a child and rise, you are able to fall a thousand times as a grownup and soar.” ~ Matshona Dhliwayo
I have a clear vision.
In June 2017, Onley prison (where I was delivering well-being groups) had a visit from the Deputy Director of Custody (DDC) Paul Baker. A tall, straight-faced man who seemed serious about his job.
I happened to be in the offices at the back of the prison wing when he walked in and started talking to the Substance Misuse Manager.
“Do you know why there’s been such a significant reduction in prescription medications in the last twelve months?” he asked.
The hair on my neck stood on end. I could answer that. As they talked, my cheeks flushed, and I knew I needed to speak up. At the next gap in the conversation, I said, “I’m Jacqueline from Beyond Recovery. I can tell you why prescription medications have reduced.”
Both looked at me. “When people start waking up to their own well-being, they stop needing external fixes, whether legal or illegal.”
