Personal growth means learning from our mistakes and experiences

In my life journey I have had a broad range of personal experiences, and learned many things about people, myself and the world mostly will never know.

Courtesy: motivation-selfhelp.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oh boy do I have a lot to learn from. I grew up in a religious middle class family with the opportunities many do not enjoy. I was a hyperactive rebellious young man, constantly in trouble both at home and in school.

I was so out of control that I found myself in my first run-in with the law at the age of 15. Soon I was a runaway, and a street kid. For many years I found myself in and out of jail, for theft, possession, probation violations, car theft etc. I victimized many people by stealing what they worked hard to save to buy.

I have no excuse for my actions and while I feel remorse for them I cannot change them. I have been to prison twice for cannabis related crimes; once for making hash oil and once for growing.

Let's just say for these "crimes" it seems I was the victim not the victimizer. Never the less, I take full responsibility for breaking the law, I did it in full knowledge of the price.

Today I am a union carpenter, a homeowner, father to two wonderful adult children, a staunch advocate of those that are marginalized from our society's firm believer in constitutional rights, civil rights, social responsibility, and ending the so called drug war.

In my life journey I have had a broad range of personal experiences, and learned many things about people, myself and the world mostly will never know. I made myself a promise while in prison to turn the negative in my life and use it for positive change.

That means I speak to power without fear, I refuse to remain silent when I know that what is being said or done is unjust, I lend a hand to those in need without any thought of what they can do for me, I use my vote, my voice, and my work to better our society. I have learned much and there is more to learn so let the adventure of life continue.

Peace

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COLLI July 13, 2011 2:48 pm (Pacific time)

Doug:
You show courage and honesty in writing this piece. Everyone makes mistakes . . . we are all human after all. You show exceptionalism in not only admitting your mistakes but in helping others to learn from them. I don't know much about you but from your writing, I know you are a good man. This piece is inspiring to me as I know it will be to others. Peace!

Editor: Amen to that Colli, Doug is a brother in the truest sense and he sort of has our back the way you do.  Believe me, it is because of you guys and others that this exists.  He also helped us when Ken O'Keefe was on tour here in the NW, pulling security one particular night when we had no idea who was in the crowd.  .  

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