by tamingtrauma_c6uvlu | Mar 28, 2025 | Stories of Trauma and Trials
Jeffery A. Garrett
T-15166 / DI 7-205-IL
P.O. Box 409089
Ione, CA 95640
March 18, 2025
I suffered from countless adverse childhood experiences as a youth. I lived in a dysfunctional household which put me in constant fear, pain and shame due to domestic violence.
My neighborhood norm was violence, drug and alcohol abuse, which gave me an abnormal perspective on life. Though hopeless, T sought for love and acceptance. When that failed, I turned to the streets which led me to make poor choices in order to fit in.
My negative childhood experiences left me angry, resentful and internally hurt. I projected my pain onto my community, family and society at large. My unrestrained pain and bad decisions ultimately landed me in prison with a life sentence. My background is no excuse, but it is an explanation. Part of my transformation was understanding this.
by tamingtrauma_c6uvlu | Mar 28, 2025 | Stories of Healing
Jeffery A. Garrett
T-15166 / DI 7-205-IL
P.O. Box 409089
Ione, CA 95640
March 18, 2025
Since my incarceration, I have invested my time into my rehabilitation and recovery. I came to understand that my pain was driving my bad decisions and I needed to change. I regret hurting others and feel intense remorse for taking my pain onto society.
I no longer live a destructive criminal lifestyle. I have abandoned my distorted beliefs and have no desire to hurt others or myself.
I have taken cognitive behavioral intervention classes, and strive to live a pro—social life that benefits me and my peers.
I am currently working toward a certification as a Peer Support
Specialist, and make myself physically and emotionally available for my peers . My study of trauma also helps me understand why I made the bad decisions I did.
