Yes, I went to prison. But it was only for a few hours, and I enjoyed it. I’m silently laughing, imagining the thoughts that might have gone through your heads at the title. Anyway, as most of you know (unless you are a new reader), I am a member of Toastmasters and involved in several clubs (at the moment). Well, they also have Toastmaster clubs in a few prisons. It’s a great program and helps give the inmates a way to use their minds and grow as individuals. Personally, I think it’s fabulous.
Recently, the invitation went out to several clubs to participate in a Pros-vs-Cons contest. Although it wasn’t an official contest, and the winner wouldn’t be going on to another level, it was still a contest. Especially for those gentlemen, it meant a lot. They put on a professional, well-planned event. They even provided entertainment before and after the contest. The band was better than some I’ve heard at top places around town. The committee and backstage group were well organized and did a fantastic job. They had short humorous videos to play during moments of intermission. The three speakers were fabulous. I was proud and happy for each of them.
I didn’t win the contest, but I won in other ways. I could see it on the audience’s faces, hear it in their laughter (at the right moments), and several people came up afterward to tell me how much they liked and appreciated my speech. One of the contest officials even told me they’d like me to record my speech for their club. They said my speech demonstrated how to use the stage area, go back in time, use vocal variety, body movement, and incorporate moments of levity. I will gladly do it. If we lived closer, I would volunteer there regularly, but I will happily make the trip a few times a year to volunteer.
On a semi-funny note ~ What no one knew at the time is that as soon as I stepped on the stage, I forgot my speech. Luckily for me, my mouth started going anyway. I ended up doing a version of my speech, which was still okay. I left out some important tidbits, but I’ll include those in the video.
The speeches from the three “Cons” were well written, professionally presented, and highly inspiring. Personally, I recommend that each of them keep up the great work and, when they get out, find a club and participate in the contests and even the accredited speaker program. They have stories that will inspire others. The gentleman who won the contest gave a speech that even inspired my boyfriend, who was also there in an official capacity. The other two may not have won, but they succeeded in inspiring others, just as I did. I will always remember “Turtle Power,” which was one of the other speeches.
All in all, everyone I met there was polite, courteous, respectful, and professional. Before we left, I thanked the warden for having this type of program and other programs for the inmates. I worked at a maximum-security prison for two years a long time ago (not giving years, that will definitely age me🤣). At the prison I worked at, the warden did not believe the men needed any programs to better themselves. Several of us disagreed, but I was a measly medical staff secretary. The head psychiatrist tried, but when I left, he hadn’t succeeded in getting any substantial programs in there. So, seeing what this warden has done shows that she cares and takes her position seriously. She (yes, the warden is a woman ~ Awesome) apparently sees the need for continued growth of the mind, spirit, and soul of a human being. This is extremely commendable, and I applaud her vision, conviction, leadership, and so much more. I also want to thank those who invited me to participate in the contest. I am grateful for Stacci and Gayle for their support and confidence in me as a person and speaker. They are leaders I will gladly help and follow.
I appreciated this opportunity and I applaud everyone there for there professionalism and kindness.
Quarterly Update
Today is the last day for this quarter of the Goals Group. I only missed six days, while others have missed more. The missed days cash pot will go to the charity I have chosen, which is Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Center. They are a worthy organization, and I am a big supporter of helping wild animals as well as domestic ones. These are innocent beings that need our help since mankind seems to have the need to take over their homeland and doesn’t pay attention while driving. Opossums and skunks are extremely beneficial but are seen as pests. Walden’s does their best to help those in need, regardless if sick, injured, homeless, or whatever. They do their best to take care of the wild animal population. They need donations to cover food, bedding, and medical supplies. If you are looking for a charity to donate to, Walden’s Puddle is a worthy place. Another charity I support is a senior dog sanctuary. Unfortunately, people like puppies and discard senior dogs. Then there are also all the shelters that need help and donations of all kinds. Can you tell most of my charities are animal-related? They are innocent and need our help. I do speak up for human innocents as well, plus organizations such as those for Alzheimer’s or for Lung Disease, but more people speak up for the “human” needs. So, for now I’m all about the animals. Anyhow, that is where the money will go and one of the reasons why.
With that, I will now be planning my next set of goals for this upcoming quarter. May I recommend getting into or forming a Goals Group? It definitely helps with keeping yourself accountable and gives you a better chance at accomplishing your dreams and goals. I am also starting a new 30-day art challenge, so follow me on Instagram to see those.
As always, I greatly appreciate your support, kind thoughts, and words. Till next time, I wish you a week filled with love, laughter, blessings, and hugs!❣️🌻
We are Creatively Unlimited! 
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