Words of Wisdom

By JG 

If I knew then what I know now, the things of the material world wouldn’t have had so much allure over me. I would’ve understood and appreciated the value of education, because I would’ve known that true education is the means by which individuals cultivate themselves mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.   I would’ve known and understood the interconnectedness of every living thing; thus, I wouldn’t have been so quick to hurt, harm, or deceive my fellow brother and sister, because I would’ve known that in order to do that I would first have to hurt, harm, or deceive myself. If I knew then what I know now, my future would’ve been much brighter because I would’ve already been connected to my foremothers and forefathers, grounded in their lessons and principles, as opposed to intentionally misguided, lost, and left to perpetuate the confusion, disunity, and self-hatred that had become my mental condition. If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn’t have been in the habit of consuming all of the poisons and toxins that led to diabetes, heart disease, dementia, cancers, and any other physical, emotional, and mental diseases. Now that I know the things that I should’ve known then, I have begun to set the foundation for future generations by leading by example.

3 Comments

  1. Joan on September 15, 2014 at 5:30 AM

    I am printing your poem to send it to a young man about your age. He too is serving time and reflecting on the choices he made and the ones he wants to make for his future. I know he will appreciate that he is not alone.

  2. Kelsey on February 25, 2015 at 12:49 AM

    Thank you for sharing these words with us, JG. Your reflection has shown maturity beyond your years and knowledge that you have gained that takes decades for others to learn. Your wisdom is beyond your years and humbles me to realize that there are such intelligent people in this world, who have gone through so much that they don’t deserve to go through.

  3. G-Pa_D (aka Grandpa David) on February 26, 2015 at 6:03 PM

    See what Joan said — and did–because of you? Lots of people can look back on their own ignorance. But with the help of Joan and Free Minds, you are already “leading by example”. I hope you can keep on.

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