My time in solitary proved to be a great opportunity to learn. It gave me time to think about the future I wanted to create. By reading Meditations, I learned that I should focus on the future I wanted to create rather than dwell on the crisis my actions created.
Why I Chose to Read Meditations
When officers first locked me in solitary confinement, the reality of my situation overwhelmed me. My actions had not only led to my arrest but had also created ripple effects of harm for my family, society, and myself. I realized I needed to change, but I didn’t yet know how. Officer Wilson, who worked in my housing unit, took an interest in me. He brought me books that changed the way I think. One of those books was Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
Initially, I didn’t fully appreciate what this book might offer. Yet, as I read, I discovered how much Marcus Aurelius’ life reflected aspects of my own struggles. He had endured adversity, yet rather than succumb to despair, he turned inward to strengthen his character and focus on principles of virtue and self-improvement. He chose to write as a way to process his thoughts and guide his future—a practice I decided to adopt. Reading Meditations became a pivotal moment in my journey, offering me wisdom that could help me rebuild my life, both during and after prison.
What I Learned from Reading Meditations
From Meditations, I learned that we can rise above our circumstances by focusing on what we can control:
- We can’t change the past, but we can change how we think.
- We can make decisions that will put us on the path to new opportunities.
- We can act in ways that show our commitment to success.
Marcus Aurelius emphasized the importance of rationality, discipline, and moral character, even in the most challenging situations. His perspective shifted how I viewed my incarceration—not as a punishment but as an opportunity to grow stronger and better prepared for the future.
One of the book’s key lessons was about framing obstacles as opportunities. Marcus wrote:
- “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
This philosophy helped me see prison as a chance to develop resilience and practice virtues like patience, humility, and self-control. I couldn’t control the length of my sentence, but I could control how I responded to it.
Additionally, Meditations introduced me to the idea of aligning my actions with a higher purpose. Marcus Aurelius continually reminded himself to live with integrity, focus on long-term goals, and act in service to others. This lesson gave me clarity about the type of person I wanted to become and the life I wanted to lead. I began to write daily, documenting my journey and reflecting on how I could use my time in a way that would contribute to my eventual success.
How Reading Meditations Contributes to My Success
Reading Meditations gave me the tools to redefine success and work toward it, even in the most restrictive circumstances. In prison, success was not about material accomplishments but about becoming a better version of myself. Inspired by Marcus Aurelius, I developed habits that supported my growth: reading, writing, and focusing on self-improvement.
Marcus Aurelius’ principles prepared me to thrive while in prison and since I got out. He taught me about resilience, purpose, and virtue, guiding me to build a foundation for my future. By the time I finished my sentence and returned to society, I had a clear vision of who I wanted to be and how I would contribute. His philosophy encouraged me to align my daily actions with long-term goals, a practice that has shaped the work I do today, from running my nonprofit to inspiring others to use their time constructively.
Even now, I draw on the lessons from Meditations. When I face challenges, I remind myself that they are opportunities to grow. I focus on what I can control, remain committed to my values, and strive to live with purpose, no matter the circumstances.
A Self-Directed Question for You
Marcus Aurelius believed that adversity is an opportunity for growth.
- What obstacles in your life could you reframe as opportunities to strengthen your character and prepare for success?
- How will you use your time to build the future you want to create?
