Defined

“Your crime does not define you”

I heard this a lot in prison, and as much as I hate it, I think maybe we are defined by our crimes.

I do think we are largely defined by our ACTIONS. And if our crime was an action (it was) then yes.

Case in point:

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

And here is another example:

Charles Manson

And tell me what you think of when you see this one:

Monica Lewinsky

Our actions reflect our values, intentions, and character. Who we are is how we act. But the beauty of it all is that we can change. We can act better, do better, and be better.

Thank you for reading,

Kelli Stapleton

p.s. I really love Monica Lewinski and what she has done with her life. She inspires me.

Bloom

On one of my first days in prison, I heard the quote "bloom where you're planted," and it resonated deeply, sparking a desire to grow despite my circumstances.

Instead of falling into despair, I faced my reality. A harsh reality. Acceptance didn’t mean giving up; it meant focusing on what I could control and finding ways to grow.

Even in prison, I found purpose. Through education, helping others, and trying to maintain a positive attitude (which I failed at daily!), I contributed and improved myself. Every small act was a step towards blooming.

Blooming where you're planted means flourishing where you are. A growth mindset became crucial. Viewing my sentence as an opportunity to learn, I engaged in education and self-reflection, treating every day as a chance to grow.

Blooming where you're planted is a lifelong journey for me. The resilience and mindset I developed in prison continue to guide me, proving that no matter where you are, you have the power to bloom.

When life gives you a steaming pile of sh!t. Make fertilizer.

When life gives you a steaming pile of sh!t. Make fertilizer

Today I Start Again

Time in prison is different from time out in the world. Ten years feels like an eternity, a lifetime spent grappling with regrets, consequences, and the elusive hope of redemption. Confined physically and mentally by razor wire and the weight of my own actions.

As I step back into the world, I carry the heavy burden of my past. The consequences of my actions. Yet, I hope I am not defined solely by the mistakes that led me here. However, I am determined to carve a new path, one that leads away from the shadows of my past and towards the light of a better future.

This blog is not just a chronicle of my journey; an unfiltered narrative of the challenges and (hopefully) triumphs that accompany the quest for redemption. Through these words, I hope to offer solace to those who have stumbled along similar paths and inspiration to those who dare to believe in second chances.

I don’t expect this journey to be an easy one. The consequences of my actions loom large, casting a long shadow over every step forward. I embrace the opportunity for growth, for transformation, for a chance to make amends and build something meaningful out of the wreckage of my past, and the terrible pain I’ve caused.

I made this video too:

This is the book I mentioned in the video.

Trinity Lutheran Church Frankfort