Let's just say he spent a lot of time in a minimum-security open prison What would you tell this man to enable him to re-discover life?

be a friend to someone

you know that "a friend in need is a friend indeed?" there is something in that

Don't hang around with the old crowd if they bring back that old way of life.
That of course is if they really want to make a fresh start.

Don't pick up the soap.

Why? Do you need to rediscover life?

GaryTheNoTrashCougar said:

stay away from things that brought you down in the past. look for positive people, job, etc.....get involved in the community, volunteer.

kimrachell said:

I agree. To paraphrase an old saying, Idle hands (or time) equals the devil's playwork.

1.He must cut ties all the old people and connections from his past that helped in his downfall. They have nothing to offer but trouble, regression, and a downward spiral into nothing.

2. He must seek gainful employment, even if it's part-time. Otherwise if he has financial support, he should volunteer his time to a cause which interests him.

3. Start looking into clubs and hobbies. It not only enriches enjoyment of life but brings one into contact which new, like-minded people who can become great friends or even great networking contacts for a lifetime.

4. Maybe it's time for him to start exploring himself spiritually as well. Being spiritually grounded, whether you believe in nonthing at all, or everything under the sun, is often a helpful guide (or deterrent) to keep you from wallowing in the negative. There are tons of books and websites out there to see what would appeal most to him belief wise. He could always start out looking at general sites like www.beliefnet.com , which has everything from discussion boards, essays, interviews, book reviews and reccomendations...to articles on purpose, or social problems, with every viewpoint possible.

Good luck to your friend on his new beginning.

I think Garycougar just needs to learn how to enjoy himself when he isn't working

kimrachell said:

Great advice.

When I ministered in prison, the number one question I got was, "How do I quit making the same mistakes that keep putting me back here?"

If he didn't do it in prison, KNOW THYSELF.
Learn who you are, what you think and why.
What principles do you abide by? What would make you change?
Don't let people create a you for their use.

Don't come back home. Go somewhere where no one knows him

Ottensen said: