Greetings friends to another double issue (24.45/46) of writing and art from inside juvenile hall and beyond. This fabulous, one of a kind, issue is packed with many great contributions from our writers, young and old. Who courageously put pen(cil) to paper as they share a part of their lives with us. We are confident that after reading a number of these entries, our one of a kind publication will pull you in and inspire you to share your story with The Beat Within. We can’t say it enough, but we absolutely love when you powerful writers take on our topics and give us your perspectives on things, from the journey you find yourselves on, to the hopes and dreams you have for a better tomorrow. We love when you make writing a habit and write a 5 to 10 page essay about your lives. We can’t thank you thoughtful writers enough for teaching us about who you are through your life stories and commentaries. If you would like to give us a snapshot of your life, a chapter of your life, or take us on the full journey of who you are from childhood to now, we welcome your voice in our pages. The door is wide open! Your story will touch many, many readers around this amazing country so don’t hesitate to write us and contribute to The Beat Within. Your story matters! Your life matters! Now without further ado, lets pass the keyboard over to OT in Nicaragua. OT!
This is OT once again reporting live to you from the sunny mornings, and rainy afternoons and thundering nights of Managua Nicaragua. As I’m writing this note I’m watching the sky transform from blue to black, and the clouds have gracefully kidnapped the sun and tucked it away in the black hole of our universe.
It’s late afternoon, football is on (for you fans) and I’m here sipping a cup a coffee trying to get the hamster in my brain to start running on it’s wheel. As always it’s a pleasure to read all the stories from all of you brave writers that continue to educate our community about your struggles, victories and lessons on life. It’s always good to be confident in yourself and your capabilities, and I find that some of you are, but sometimes a part of being confident is about being humble.
No man or woman is too smart enough to the point where he or she won’t stop and listen when someone of an older age speaks. Even if that person didn’t lead the same lifestyle that you have led, that person still has an abundance of experience and knowledge to share with you and some of it might be useful. Are some elders out of tune, and don’t know what’s going on in society, or even their own communities? Yes, but even the younger folks are also not tuned in to the things that go on within a five block radius from their homes, let alone the world.
I live in Managua, Nicaragua, and according to Google that is about 2,843 miles away from San Francisco, CA. Because I am far away, I make it a task to read the local San Francisco Chronicle every day, sometimes not just once, but I often check it two or maybe three times a day, to see what’s going on in the community, I used to call home. Which I still consider my home because all of my friends, family and loved ones reside there. I know about the fires in Northern and Southern California, and I even had to warn my two daughters about the fire in the Vallejo, CA. area.
I am constantly up-to-date on the politics and on the presidential debates. I watch CNN, and other different news channels, and honestly, I don’t like doing it at times, because of all the politics involved in the media, but I do it to stay in “the know,†and just have a half a decent idea of what’s going on in the U.S. I don’t believe everything I read, and I believe a small percentage of what I see, because of how technology can alter an image, and it could make you look ten years younger, or make it look like you’re on top of Mount Everest.
If you notice, a lot of the most popular apps involve with strictly posting photos and videos of yourself. I hate that. I’m sorry ladies and gentlemen, I guess there’s nothing wrong with liking those apps and games, but I just don’t like what it’s doing to the new generation. If humanity wasn’t already more self-consumed in their own vanity, I guess I wouldn’t have a problem with it. However, if you want to be photographers, videographers and journalists and reporters, then go for it, and follow your dreams. I’m not against that, but when you start manipulating reality for your own benefit, what do you call that?
We are all human. We all bleed the same. We all have need water and food to survive. Money is a necessity so we can take care of our families. So, tell me what’s the problem? Why can’t we all help each other out, instead of bringing each other down? Many of you young folks are having a hard time trying to make it in life, in your neighborhoods, in your communities, so why make it harder than it already is, on yourselves and others?
Peace is something that is hard to find because we all look for it, in all the wrong places. You have to find peace in yourself. You have to forgive yourself for your mistakes. Move on and be better than you were before. Accept that no one is perfect. But we also have to hold ourselves accountable for our actions.
Let’s concentrate on being the person we know we can be and start making life easier for yourselves and for one another. Start being more socially conscious on what’s going on around you and see what you can do to help. Stay in the know about things that may not be important at the moment, but may be in the future, especially for your kids and your grandkids. The future is right around the corner. Peace, it seems so far-fetched, but it starts within your heart and soul.
Once you reach peace within yourself, you will see the world much differently and realize that you can bring peace and positivity to those around you. Stop worrying about who’s cheating and who’s getting away with it. Life has no short-cuts. You have to work hard to accomplish the things you want, just don’t lose yourself in the process. Stay humble.
A special shout out to a wonderful woman that is part of the heart and soul of The Beat Within, goes to Lisa! Without her we would not be able to get this publication done! Happy Birthday my friend! Much love to everybody. The Beat keeps going and going… One love!