Prison Journal: Day 8,193
January 14, 2010
By working to inspire the prisoners around me, I keep my internal engine of motivation in good shape. It is important to lead by example, and as the longest serving prisoner here I always look for opportunities to mentor other prisoners. Recently I resumed participation with the Toastmasters Club in Taft Camp.
As a public speaking group, the Toastmasters provides participants with opportunities to express their thoughts in an open forum. It’s a liberating experience, and those participating can devote as much time as they want to preparing their presentations. When I was beginning my term in prison I used to look forward to Toastmasters meetings for the entire week. I would write, then practice my speech repeatedly every day in anticipation of the performance. I considered every speech I delivered as a challenge to hold the attention of my audience, to inspire men with words.
The Toastmasters group here needs an influx of passion. We have a room that can hold 70-plus participants, but the group averages only about 20 people per session. Besides the low attendance levels (and perhaps more troubling) is the reservation among the members to participate more enthusiastically. In the weeks and months to come, I hope to change that.
I recognize public speaking as a valuable tool to help people triumph over adversity. God gifted us with the ability to use our minds, and with the blessing of language to express ourselves. In prison, these gifts can atrophy if not used. By participating actively and passionately in Toastmasters, my fellow prisoners can become better communicators–and better communication skills will make them better thinkers. Today I outlined 10 speeches that I want to have ready in my mind.
This morning I ran 10 miles and followed the run with 400 pushups.
[Consecutive running log: 3,533 miles over 398 days]
[2010 Pushups: 4,400]
Thursday, 14 January 2010
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