Our recent visit to the Arizona State Prison Complex in Perryville was an eye opener, to say the least. It was both intense and nerve-racking. As I walked around that prison, I knew we were safe...but I wasn't comfortable.

It's difficult to be hopeful for the prisoners, simply because they're in prison. I mean, I hope they get out someday, but for now they're stuck there. I'm not sure what a lot of those people did to get there, but they're serving their time, so... At the end of the day, I felt kind of like 'thank God'. I get to go out, go to a restaurant, go to bed, and do whatever it is I need to do. It led me to reflect on what's important to me and to acknowledge what I'm most passionate about in life.

These things constantly change as I grow and learn more about myself... My pursuit for mental stability and my inner peace of mind has always been an internal drive to me. Ever since I was a child, I always wanted to take care of everyone else despite how it would affect -- or what it might cost -- me.

Lately, and thankfully, this way of living has taken a shift and now includes myself as well in this new way of life. I'm concentrating on me in a more sincere, honest, and deep way than I ever have before. I'm concentrating on the shedding of old skin, behaviors, thoughts and beliefs that no longer suit who I choose to be now, and who I will be in the future.