The biggest label I fear will never leave me is convict. I have spent some time incarcerated and when I first was released I felt like everyone knew, like it was tattoed on my forehead. I now know that my past is my business and only have to disclose it with who I choose for the most part. It still hurts when I am applying for an apartment or a job and I have to check yes and give an explanation of what i did but it has gotten easier. There is something about seeing it written out that is hard for me though. I try to tell myself that a few poor decisions I made do not define me but those pivotal moments in my life still haunt me.
The biggest label I fear will never leave me is convict. I have spent some time incarcerated and when I first was released I felt like everyone knew, like it was tattoed on my forehead. I now know that my past is my business and only have to disclose it with who I choose for the most part. It still hurts when I am applying for an apartment or a job and I have to check yes and give an explanation of what i did but it has gotten easier. There is something about seeing it written out that is hard for me though. I try to tell myself that a few poor decisions I made do not define me but those pivotal moments in my life still haunt me.