PERSPECTIVE
by Karla J.

Sometimes
I wonder how it all began,
somewhere in my past,
I veered off
the right path
not knowing where
it would end.

Throughout these years full of misery
and grief,
I reflect on happy memories
that seem only too brief

And yet,
I still keep seeking a new way of life
that I can fulfill
without any more strife.

Altough this new path is unfamiliar
and seems long
in the end I believe
it's where I belong.

Sometimes you have to get off the beaten path
to get your perspective back.

DO PEOPLE LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES?

Do people learn from their mistakes? In my opinion, they do eventually, but before that, they often stay in bad relationships, return to jail, and return to alcohol and drug abuse.

First of all, I am a twenty-two year old femail who has had her share if bad relationships. I was physically, emotionally, and sexually abused by significant others, but because I was tired of hurting all the time, I got help.

Secondly, I have been in and out of jail since I was eighteen for not complying with stipulations of my probation. I am tired of being locked up with no freedom. So, now I comply; I am trying everything to stay out of jails,

Lastly, I have had a long history of drug and alcohol abuse to numb my pain. Since I went through Treatment and got help, I no longer need to numb my pain with mood altering substances. Today, I feel better about myself.

In sum, eventually, I learned from my mistakes, but it took me a long time.

Sarah H.
5/2/03