I've been lurking for the past several months and am slowly but surely improving. Today, I went through an interesting experience relating to outcome independence, and I've realized its value as a resource in yet another aspect of life that I previously wouldn't have considered (learning to apply TRP truths to life in general has been invaluable, but you could have guessed that).

A little less than a year ago, I was arrested for a felony possession in a small county with little to no tolerance for substances. I'm a young man with a lot of life ahead of me, and it scared me to think that I might have to spend anywhere from 2-10 years in a place with a bunch of scary, caged, middle-aged dudes who may or may not be in for reasons that (far) outrank mine.

At the time of the arrest, I had no concept of Stoicism, and I was constantly sick at the thought of having to deal with this potential future - until today.

Earlier this morning, I received my court summons, and for the first two hours at work, I couldn't concentrate. I couldn't speak comfortably with anyone. I must have had five cups of coffee, which didn't help, of course (I obviously wasn't thinking straight). There was no light at the end of the tunnel as far as I was concerned. I was going to whine, groan, cry and puke (in my head).

But then something came over me: I can handle this. If I'm in for ten (unlikely, but can't be ruled out), that's TEN YEARS to improve myself in unimaginable ways. Who cares of nobody gets to see until I'm out? This is for me. And if I get parole, and I'm off the hook after a year for being a man and contributing to society? Sure, I'll take it. Awesome. But that's no longer the only option I'll tolerate. Whatever comes, let it.

And with a small victory off my chest, anybody with experience or any knowledge on prison, state jail, etc., I don't. Any advice would be taken as a great kindness. Thanks.