by AC, Sonoma The silent treatment is something I do all the time. Especially to the staff who most annoys me because I don’t want to put myself in some situation, I’m not going to like the outcome of in the end. And also, just to keep the same relationship with staff but I’m not going to half of the time. I try this and help myself, but it ends up never working because either staff see it as me just trying to be disrespectful. I don’t answer things from them but in all reality, I’m just trying to get
Continue ReadingHow It Would Affect You
by Jose, Santa Clara Today I am goin’ to talk about how you think before you act and how it would affect you. I always think before I acted but sometimes it would get me in trouble and sometimes it would work out for me, but most of the time not. And I been thinking a lot lately and think how I should move and how to act so when I do something, I always think before I act and make my decision on how I feel and how I feel about other people. And when I do something I
Continue ReadingTrying New Things
SLATTAL, San Mateo I ain’t never read Harry Potter before, but then again, I never really read on the outs. I picked up Harry Potter last week just because. Honestly it’s a good book so far. I used to think if you read Harry Potter that you were a 100% nerd! It’s crazy how my perspective changed about this book because it’s actually really interesting. Another thing I’ve tried was the fruit on a cactus. You would be surprised how good it actually was. I can’t actually explain how it tasted but it was very good. Something I would like
Continue ReadingInspired
by William Curl, Corcoran State Prison in Corcoran, CA Hey what’s up with the people?! Hope my last installment left y’all inspired, enlightened, and a little closer to establishing inner peace. Life’s been the way it’s always been for me here waiting on some change to happen. I mean I’ve accomplished the internal insight that’s helped me get familiar with myself, but as we all know, the true test is in our response to external forces constantly testing who we say we are-are not. This level two is an ugly testing ground that managed to fine tune my character beautifully.
Continue ReadingStop
by Angel Hurtado, Solano County Jail in Fairfield, CA I can’t stop, nothing has shown me some kind of directionAgain I sit here hating myself with overwhelming disappointmentI can’t stop, why is that?Chasing the satisfaction of deathNow that’s just factsI can’t stop, blaming others for all my pain and sufferingsBut realizing that I’m the one sweeping my feet right from under meI can’t stopLiving my life on the edge like I’m senselessNow look at me stuck in a cell looking at a life sentenceI can’t stopJust for a second to think on what I can do betterBut just putting my
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25th Anniversary Event
Reading & Conversation Please Zoom with us in celebration ofThe Beat Within’s 25th Anniversary! Sunday, November 21 at 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Through storytelling and conversation former Beat Within writers share the inspiring power and strength they have found through writing. Please RSVP to the Zoom link for the event here
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Volume 26.41/42
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 26.41/42
We would like to welcome you readers back to another double dose edition, 26.41/42, of the one and only The Beat Within. This is the only magazine keeping it real for you readers one thousand percent for 25 years! This week we pass the mic or should we say keyboard to our dearest colleague, OT. Most of you know OT by now, if it’s through this editorial note, or for the few of you who have met him over Zoom in our workshops. Regardless, he is great person with plenty of heart and we think his following message will truly
Continue ReadingA New Perspective
by TY, San Diego, CA Everything we are doing is going to have a monumental effect down the road, so you have to move smarter. Start thinking ahead instead of in the moment. This life is chess, not checkers. It’s a waiting game so you have to act accordingly. Just remember that it’s the people who think before they move that make it farther. When you’re sitting in your cell, or when you’re all alone, do some deep thinking about everything you’ve done in life up until now. Then, decide if you’re comfortable with where you’re at in life. If
Continue ReadingDetermined
by Stitch, San Mateo I had court a couple of days ago on Tuesday. They still want my case to be transferred to adult court but my lawyer says there is a good chance that won’t happen, though I still have to wait another couple of months to see what will happen. I am determined to get my freedom back, I know it will take some time. I can do time, though I just have to be patient and stay busy. I really won’t take my freedom for granted ever again. I’ve been down damn near six months and to
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