from Olivia Goldsmith's 'Insiders:
Theresa, an inmate who always had a saying or proverb for every situation gives this piece of advice to Jennifer who is getting ready to meet the parole board. She quotes St. Frances: It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. Jennifer asks her who it is that she should pardon, to which Theresa asks, "Who are you pissed at?" That sets Jennifer thinking and as she knocks off one person after another on her fingers she realizes that she is pissed off at herself for having been 'stupid, greedy, and gullible.' Theresa says her advice still applies. That was the beginning of Jennifer's rebirth into a new life. It was when she forgave herself that she found her real self. Jennifer found that prison had really set her free. In her words, 'she knew the most important thing wasn't how much money she made, or how successful her next deal was, or how many people envied and respected her, or how powerful her friends were.' In forgiving herself, and taking responsibility for herself she found she was no longer afraid. 'She didn't need to keep a big apartment, or a large paycheck, or a big wardrobe. She needed to keep her friends, and her freedom.'
Lots to learn......