by Lisa Strawn
Second chances should be a mandatory part of everyone’s lives. As a kid I loved to write and it was my favorite subject in school. Truly, now my writing has changed me into a truthful, grateful, person some fifty years later. In prison being transgendered, my writing has helped so many transgenders to see the beauty in their freedom. Being able to celebrate who you are everyday is something I embrace everyday.
Life experiences that I have faced have given me a second chance to say it’s okay to be who you are, even in a men’s prison. I believe that we all have something to say, but some can’t because they are silenced by fear. As someone who has dealt with bullies all of my life, instead of running away I’d put my words in paper about how I feel. I have found that my words have made me a better person and hopefully those who have read my stories have found comfort and strength. My writing has given me a second chance because I can be my authentic self and not allow others to put any negative thoughts in my head. Writing tells the character of my soul.
I always wish to give everyone a positive message even if I have not been accepted by someone. It doesn’t mean that I have to act out and be spiteful to them. It means that I have to give everyone a second chance because that is the right thing to do. I don’t want to leave this world being bitter because others can’t accept me for me. So each day, even in prison, I’d rather be the person who is structured and continues to grow and show all how to treat me. Doesn’t mean that I always succeed every time, but what it does say is I am not a failure because I have made an attempt.
I could not imagine not giving others a second chance. People do make honest mistakes all the time, we have to know forgiveness in our hearts and not allow ourselves to follow the paths of destructive people. Keeping in mind that when we give others a second chance, it does show we too can change. There was a time in my life that I felt I didn’t matter to others so I couldn’t reach out to anyone with any kind words. But writing has given me a voice to be heard and shown me that my life matters just as much as the next person.
I have devoted my life to the last six years just about telling the stories of those who might be forgotten on their triumphs they’ve overcome to be better. The world depends on us all to somehow find a better way so we can all be equal. I feel this can be done just by listening to each other and celebrating just how much we all have in common.
Let us begin today with conversation, second changes, and to remember that everyone dies but not everyone lives. Let us all live on this earth in harmony and not fight. We can all be better if we try a little harder each day.