Take Inspired Action: Embrace Change One Step at a Time

Chapter 1: The Essence of Change

Every individual has the potential to be the change they wish to see in the world.

For over a decade, I have dedicated my life to being a catalyst for change. Through coaching and mentoring countless individuals, I have facilitated wellness workshops in various settings, including prisons and corporate environments (where the line between the two sometimes blurred).

When asked about my motivation behind this work—why I invest so much time and resources despite limited financial rewards—the response usually centers around making the world a better place.

As agents of change, we inherently desire to make a difference. This is the driving force behind our efforts, right?

When I refer to "agents of change," I mean anyone committed to transforming human behavior and societal norms. While this may seem noble, what does it truly entail?

Initially, I believed that it involved expanding my business to reach every prison in the UK and beyond, influencing policy, and empowering numerous individuals with lived experiences to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Though these aspirations are commendable, they can also be daunting. The journey can feel isolating, and the task can appear endless. Moreover, these endeavors cannot be accomplished by a single individual.

So, I delved deeper to uncover the fundamental element that could inspire genuine world change: the principle of "Each One Teach One."

Each One Teach One

The saying "Each One Teach One" has its roots in an African proverb. It emerged in the United States during a time when enslaved Africans were denied education. Once an individual learned to read or write, they bore the responsibility to educate another.

This concept underscores the importance of disseminating knowledge for the benefit of the community.

There is profound wisdom in this proverb. It doesn't call for grand ambitions of teaching everyone; rather, it encourages teaching just one person.

The Ripple Effect signifies that imparting knowledge to even a single individual can resonate through their circle of influence, potentially impacting up to six others. José Antonio Ribeiro elaborates on this theory, illustrating how influencing just a few people can lead to substantial overall impact.

My work has involved training incarcerated individuals to rise above their backgrounds and forge new paths post-release.

Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed by the need to expand or affect policy changes, I remind myself of the individuals I've worked with and how their empowerment has, in turn, uplifted those around them—especially their children.

A study in Scotland revealed that more children are affected by a parent's incarceration than by a parent's divorce. When a parent in prison is empowered to change their life, the benefits for their child can include:

Reduced likelihood of psychological issues (depression, anxiety, disorders)
Enhanced feelings of well-being and improved sleep
Decreased feelings of rejection that can lead to antisocial behavior
Better role modeling that influences conditioned learning

Case Study: Troy

In February 2020, I had the opportunity to meet Troy, who was beginning a significant sentence. Having spent most of his life in care homes and troubled schools, he struck me as a quiet young man with vibrant blue eyes, tousled blond hair, and a cheeky grin.

Assigned to our ten-week program, Troy attended sessions every Thursday afternoon in a group room at Onley Prison's Healthcare block.

During the third week, as I sat in a blue hard-backed chair, I observed my co-facilitator, Dave, illustrate the concept of thought. He sketched a river on the whiteboard with a blue marker and added a stick figure underneath, stating, “Thought is transient.”

“What does that mean, MamaJ?” Troy asked, seated beside me in a soft blue chair, clad in grey sweatpants and worn trainers.

“It means we don’t have to dwell on our thoughts because they come and go,” I explained.

His eyes widened with understanding, and I could see hope flickering within him.

“In that case,” he said, “I don’t have to be depressed.” His voice was soft, reflective, and in that moment, I saw a spark of possibility.

The following week, the prison was in lockdown due to COVID-19, confining inmates to their cells for 23 hours a day. Our programs were suspended, leaving me frustrated as I was unable to complete the course for the men.

I requested permission to visit them at their cell doors for the remaining three weeks to provide assignments. The prison allowed me brief visits, but I wondered how I could make an impact under such constraints.

When I reached Troy's block, I learned he hadn’t been let out since an incident. After some persuasion, I was granted a room, and he was escorted to meet me.

Troy sat across from me, tears streaming down his face. He expressed feeling abandoned by everyone—his foster parents, partner, and probation officer.

He wept for a system he felt was stacked against him, yearning to become a better man but feeling hopeless.

I visited him daily for half an hour, demonstrating my belief in him, whether by listening or sharing stories that might resonate.

After six weeks, the prison stopped my visits due to health concerns.

Months later, I made an impromptu visit and locked the heavy iron gate behind me.

“Troy!” I exclaimed as he approached, flanked by officers. His arm was bandaged, but his spirit seemed renewed.

“I’m going to the hospital to take care of my hand,” he said, his blue eyes shining. I felt relief and said, “Go well, Troy. Remember, you’re loved.”

You Never Know When You Are Having the Most Important Conversation of Your Life

Now, three years later in 2023, I received a call from an unknown number late one night.

“It’s me, Troy,” the voice said. “I wanted to tell you that you saved my life!”

We hadn't been in touch since that corridor encounter. He recounted his journey, sharing that he had been out for twenty-six months, defying everyone’s expectations, including his probation officer's prediction that he would return to prison within three months.

“You saved my life, Mama J. Do you know that?” he emphasized.

We spoke for an hour; he was articulate, humorous, and full of hope, eager to help others who find themselves caught in similar systems.

I could not have envisioned a more positive outcome.