Corrections Corner / Justin Robison

Surround yourself with people who reflect love

What comes to mind when you hear the word “reflection”? Everyone’s answer may not be the same. Actually, that is what is so amazing about life. I have struggled to see a reflection of myself that others said I displayed. For me, it was a troubled past, a few mistakes growing up, decisions I wished I had made differently, and the list could go on.

I was once told by a wise woman that what you reflect on can sometimes refine what you are wanting to see or believe. I never really understood those words, and they left me baffled and confused more than anything. Until finally I was captured by a quote that would change how I reflect on life: “Dance through your storms because a rainbow follows.”

Having a past is part of everyone’s life, but it doesn’t have to be part of the finished product. No matter how your life has played out up to this point, you have to surround yourself with people who will reflect love, joy, understanding and so much more. Find people who will help you get back to that reflection of yourself that you know and understand that you can be. Don’t get lost on reflecting solely on one thing or one event.

Value is more than a price. Once you begin to value yourself, just watch the change that begins to unravel around you. Find support from people who are going to not try and change you, but adapt with you to help you grow. Adapting is helping someone become comfortable. Change is constant, so don’t fear change.

Support is something simple that can satisfy a heart no matter if it’s broken, lost or needs a little love. Support isn’t something that should make you feel uneasy. Support should be a mirror reflection of who you are striving to be.

I look for support from people who help me achieve my daily goal of going to sleep a better person than when I woke up. In life, there will be ups and downs, as well as good and bad. Life is not about being praised or condemned in those moments, but reflecting on each moment as a learning experience to help you grow.

No matter your story or what you have done, find those people you can call family. Find people who support your goals and give you advice in the toughest moments to help you reflect on the brighter side rather than the gloomy one.

Remember to let your reflection be real to all who encounter you!
 

(Justin Robison is a 29-year-old Christian from Rockport, Ind. Benedictine Father Jeremy King, a member of the archdiocese’s Corrections Advisory Committee, worked with him while he was incarcerated in the Branchville Prison. Justin is doing very well after his release. He currently is working as a painter apprentice.) †