48 weeks: 7 days of peace and quiet

Victory! I have actually successfully completed my 7 day vow of silence. It wasn't that easy, but I feel great now. Honestly speaking, I didn't know what to expect going into it. It was a random spontaneous idea I had, inspired by a book and movie, and I decided to try it out. I'm glad I did though.

Some people thought it was stupid and others respected the discipline and concept behind not speaking for a week. I didn't care; I said I was going to do it and I did.

This is what I have come to realize by being mute for the longest time since I learned to speak as a child:

1. You don't have to speak all the time. Some things are better off left unsaid. For example, if you may have disagreements where you know that talking back would only aggravate everyone more, then just shut up and let other say what they want because sometimes arguing won't solve anything. Especially where I am, a lot of times, arguments lead to physical violence.

2. It's not necessary to share every thought, feeling, or happening with other. Deal with them independently; share when necessary, but work things out yourself.

3. If everyone here took a week of silence, or even longer, I would be a happy camper. Just leave me alone let me do my time!

4. I have truly learned better self restraint on even reacting to negative things from others and altogether being involved in any unnecessary drama or conflicts. Even with the urge to say something, I can hold back better now, if I so please.

What's also significant is that I finished something I promised myself I would do. I know it's something minor, but in the past, I would have difficulty doing just that. A quitter, some would say. I would want to do something, try and give up when the going got tough. I would give int to doing what I wanted to do in the moment, instead of slowly working towards long term goals. Honestly, I didn't have much confidence that I could do a lot of things and would let myself talk me into thinking something was wrong with me. I'd try and try again, but lose hope little bits at a time each time. I held onto the belief that "nothing is impossible to a willing heart", but my heart was just not always completely willing.

But that's all been changing after everything I've been through the past 2 years. And it's a great feeling to know that any little (or major) thing I want to work towards, with my self control and perseverance, will be done regardless of any setbacks or difficulties. That includes getting out of this place called prison with a positive attitude while holding onto everything that's happened.