-Billy, Santa Cruz I’ve been feeling lost lately. I’m back in my hometown juvie without the older homie. He would help me get through my mental problems. We would talk about stuff that we both go through. People say trauma bonding is not a good way to make healthy friendships, but I say otherwise. I been thinking a lot in my cell about what’s gonna happen with me. It’s overwhelming because I don’t really know what’s gonna happen. To be honest, it makes me scared. I just got to think positive, and I will get through this. To everyone that’s
Continue ReadingIt’s Never Too Late
-Benjamin, Federal Correctional Complex Coleman Low in Coleman, FL Throughout my life, I have been presented with countless opportunities to do the right thing. To act with integrity, to lead with purpose, to honor the people who believe in me, and to walk in alignment with the values I was raised to uphold. For reasons I now understand far too clearly, I often chose otherwise. I don’t offer that statement lightly. I take full responsibility for my actions, decisions that ultimately led me down a path of failure, loss and deep personal regret. I made choices that hurt others, damaged
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Volume 30.33/34
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 30.33/34
We welcome you readers back to another double dose edition of the one and only The Beat Within. It’s OT once again coming at you guys live from the land the quakes and shakes, and the hot volcanic rocks of Managua, Nicaragua. Once again, we have completed another wonderful magazine. We have some great writing this week and some very good topics. One of my favorite topics of the week was making up for lost time. This was a very interesting topics as for all those that find themselves locked up, time becomes an essence. It’s measured in days, months,
Continue ReadingHope For The Best, Prepare For The Worst
-Mando, San Mateo Dear Beat, I have been chilling, just waiting until my release date. I have school starting again next Monday. I’m looking forward to that because it makes my time goes by faster. I also been anticipating more and more for my release, hoping the judge grants my step down. But only time will tell. This is why I better keep moving and always have hope. I will always hope for the best and prepare for the worst because you never know what the future has already prepared for us. That’s something I will forever live by. That’s
Continue ReadingI Live For That Smile
-Sugar Bear, San Quentin State Prison I say, I love you, a lot, especially to my wife, kids and brothers. Those are three very powerful words. When a person feels they are not loved they can go into a depression or do stupid things. I say it in words, in writings, in letters, in performances and even pictures that I take my time to do draw. Letters are a way of saying I care. I like to see when an inmate gets a letter. They smile. It is hard to smile in prison. I live for that smile and that
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Volume 30.31/32
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 30.31/32
Welcome to the latest issue of The Beat Within, with some locations off enjoying a brief summer break to rest and recharge, we are still here to share these amazing authentic voices and stories with you. To encourage community and commonality with everyone that touches this magazine. You are not alone, so we hope you join The Beat Within family by reading some of these stories. Perhaps you read something that sounds like a more challenging situation than your own, or maybe it might sound like something you have actually experienced yourself. Either way, The Beat Within wants you to
Continue ReadingIt Was Worth So Much
-Andre, Santa Cruz My life’s question or rather questions are what I am supposed to do? What is my purpose, my destiny? I am constantly faced with this question each and every time, and more and more I want an answer. I want to know, and I want it to be clear as if in bright lights with a sign. I’m so eager to have my answer. This question came to me as I watched my mother but my dad as well. Was her purpose to be a mom? Was it her destiny? Was she meant to do it. Same
Continue ReadingBe Brave Today
-Sarah, Correctional Facility in Lincoln, IL When I think of bravery, I think of all the people who choose to be themselves through all the struggles, and the self-talk that seems to sometimes hold back progress. To me, being brave is the act of living and truly showing up for one another, as we would expect. Most of us look at the world with either rose colored glasses or as a battlefield, and with each comes the need for bravery to make the most of it. There will always be someone who wants you to change either for the worse
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