Wisdom From Prison

Seeking to bring happiness and positivity to others

[wisdomfromprison]

INTRODUCTION

Hello! My name is Lucky Vance Stancliff. I am a 73 year old inmate in the Missouri Department of Corrections. I have done over 50 years in prison.

This life has shown me that the most important thing within a person’s beliefs is to have a ‘positive outlook’, no matter what situation a person might find themselves in, this is the key to overcoming ANY hardship. I have reached a point in my life that I have a great desire to share ‘positive’ thoughts with others in order to help them have a better day.

With that being the main focus of my objective, I have created what I have named, “WISDOM FROM PRISON”, a daily talk with the public about all things that affect our lives.

I wish for people to have a ‘positive’ and ‘entertaining’ experience, so I have also created a little character whom I named “Willie”, who might jump into our conversation at ANY given time with some off-the-wall comment. I plan on bringing new ways of looking at things in order to build a ‘positive’ bases of thinking. It is my goal in life to try and help others have a better day, simple as that.

With the exception of physical illness, I plan on writing each and every day. And, this is something I wish for people to enjoy until I no longer exist. That is my true goal, to be a good writer and help others.

So, with that said, I shall start tomorrow with ” SENSE OF HUMOR”. Until then, hope you folks have a nice day.

Stay positive, productive, and focused.

~Lucky Stancliff

[wisdomfromprison]

Fingers

"FINGERS" by Lucky Stancliff And a great big "HHHEEELLLOOO!" to all, Yes, I've lost my mind and haven't even gotten started yet! Some days are like that. The proof of is the word 'fingers'! What kind of word is that to choose for a discussion? I should have chose the word ...... 'CRAZY AS A RABID BAT!' "HEY! DOC! We got one to go! Ol' Lucky has left us! Gone! Talking about 'fingers' and stuff!" "Willie, just chill-out, I'm okay!" Folks, sometimes a person just has to put there 'finger' on there jaw in a thinking pose. Yes, go ahead, try it, for real, try it, take the pose and say ...... 'hhhuuuummm' ...... now, didn't that feel good? If you did do it ...... then YOU are just as crazy as I am. At least I have a good excuse ...... ANYONE who has done 53 years in prison HAS A LEGAL RIGHT TO BE NUTTIER THAN A FRUITCAKE! "Folks, it's obvious that Lucky is toooooo far gone to save, so, I'll just have to take over and ...... " "HOLD UP RIGHT THERE WILLIE! What makes you think that you can write this 'blog'? You don't even start to THINK like me!" "You got that right Lucky! I would NOT get real serious like you in your talks ...... I would keep them laughing and having a good time!" Folks, this whole talk today has been quite an experience. I absolutely think it is harder to write 'comedy' than 'real life'. What do YOU FOLKS think? ...... Hey! What's up with all of those 'FINGERS'? THAT'S ENOUGH OF THAT! I definitely WON'T write about 'fingers' again! STOP THAT! My family and friends, just know that I absolutely love each and everyone of you. Have a nice day and have some fun in life. Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

Cold

"COLD" by Lucky Stancliff "GOOD MORNING! GOOD MORNING! GOOD MORNING!", It is 3:20 A.M. and I am ready to 'rock and roll'! Yes indeed, sometimes a person just awakens with an attitude of 'joy' and 'positivity' in their soul. The only problem about today is the 'cold'! I DO NOT like being 'cold'. The 'colder' I get, the more uncomfortable I get, thus, my attitude gets worse also. Why does the 'cold' affect a persons attitude so much? Does it take away the amount of 'freedom' we need to be comfortable? Some people like the 'cold' weather more than the 'hot'. 'Cold' can also be applied to a person's attitude ...... "He seemed like a 'cold shouldered' person." 'Cold' can be applied as a word describing an action ...... "That was a 'cold' thing to do to someone." "HEY! LUCKY! Why don't you 'cool' down and SHUT UP! It's not even TIME to wake up yet! Let alone get out from under the covers! Folks, talk to his idiot Lucky!" "Okay Willie! Don't panic. Crawl back under the covers and get warm. You're like a little 'pest', always complaining!" Folks, Willie is a 'cold hearted' person when his sleep is interrupted. I guess a lot of people are like that tho. Yes, being 'cold' can be a hard thing for a lot of people, especially the elderly people ...... like ME! Back in the early 1970's, in prison, in 4 of the housing units, we had NO heat, or glass in a lot of huge windows. I've woken up many times covered with snow IN MY BED! The snow and rain would hit your entire cell. I learned to hate the 'cold', and the rain. This was before TV's or plug-in radios were sold. My family and friends, have a nice day, and stay warm and comfortable. Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

Foundation

"FOUNDATION" by Lucky Stancliff "GREETINGS!" my family and friends, The 'foundation' of ALL my writings is to give an insight to anyone who wishes to understand 'life' in a way that maybe they never thought about. I have no 'professional' education in this area whatsoever, but, I have a strong desire to 'help' people to become more 'positive' in life. That is my goal. Becoming 'positive' is what I developed within myself, and, I stayed 'focused' on achieving that goal. That thought alone caused me to become 'productive' in ways of achieving my goal. That is how the term ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused ...... came to be my 'foundation' for 'life' itself. "HEY! LUCKY! You did a nice job of becoming a 'positive' person in life ...... 73 YEARS TOO LATE! YOU DUMMY!" "Willie, don't press your luck! I can still 'relapse' if need be!" Folks, don't let Willie ruin the 'seriousness' of what I was saying ...... it is NEVER TOO LATE for a person to 'improve' ones life. Once a solid 'foundation' is built, be it a house, a sports team, a business, a philosophy, etc. etc., and, if it works good for a person, then a person can make progress in 'life' itself. The 'foundation' is the beginning of ALL things invented by humanity, if it is flawed, the result will NOT be the perfection they expected, as history has shown. My family and friends, 'life' will have many things that will need changing due to a 'foundation' needing to be fixed. A lot of them will take years to 'recreate' and become functional, so take the time to 'focus' on the MOST important aspect ...... the 'foundation'. Have a pleasant and nice day, and know that I care. Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

Where?

"WHERE?" by Lucky Stancliff And a "HELLO!" to all of you folks, Yes, it:s me again, that ol' geezer, Lucky. I feel like I've lived 10 or 15 lives already. That's how worn out my brain is from doing doing 53 years in prison. Yes, I've deserved EVERY one of those years for all things I've done throughout life. 'WHERE?' did I go wrong? How many times throughout life have you asked yourself that same question? It is normal for a person to question themselves. That is the way the human brain works, always questioning things. Why? When? How? Should I? What if? How come? Is this writing 'worthy' of submitting to my 'blog'? Yes, it is the normal reaction of the brain, a 'safeguard' built within the mind to help humans make the right decision in ALL things they do. It is a good thing. It helps people in figuring out ANYTHING that ISN'T a 'solid know fact'. Whichever word of 'question' is used, that word will be a 'pest' to us our entire lives. "HEY! LUCKY! Did you call for me? I thought I heard the word 'pest'?" "Willie, we were just discussing 'questioning' words like, 'where'." "Well, I have one also, 'WHY?' don't you SHUT UP once in a while?" "Willie, don't push your luck! I might just ask if I really need YOU in my writings!" Folks, don't pay any attention to Willie, he's just doing his job, being a 'pest'! I'm still trying to figure out 'WHY?' I was stupid enough to invent him! My family and friends, just know that questioning everything in life is a normal brain function. 'Where?' does that leave us? Finished with this writing of course! Love ya! Have a wonderful day if possible and know that I care. Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

Standards

"STANDARDS" by Lucky Stancliff And a "GOOD DAY!" to all of you out there in the 'free world', Yes, I'm still here, safe in my cell. My 'standards' did not meet society's 'standards' when I came to prison. Not even close. It took almost my entire life to really make that change within my mind. I built my own 'standards' as I matured, which were wrong. Enough about me, let us speak of YOUR 'standards' of thinking. How did you build your 'standards' of 'beliefs'? From your parents? ...... from religion? ...... from other kids in school? ...... from experiences in 'life' itself? Whatever the case, 'standards' are adjustable as life goes on. The 'standards' that a person lives by is the MOST IMPORTANT thing within a persons life. 'Standards' are the 'mental wellness' that a person judges THEMSELVES by. It is the glue that holds a persons mind together. Going against one's OWN 'standards' is 'mental suicide' to the brain, causing 'guilt' and 'depression'. It is an act of going against 'beliefs'. "HEY! LUCKY! Do you have to get so SERIOUS in your talks? You got my poor little brain turned all SIDEWAYS!" "I am truly sorry Willie. I forgot that you have a brain the size of a strawberry! And, it don't work well!" "Folks, don't believe that! I'm the one who tells Lucky what to write about!" My family and friends, both Willie and I write this together, for we both have 'standards' that WE cannot cross in these writings. I wish you all a very nice day, and hope that you DO NOT have to make any serious decision concerning a 'standard' today. Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

Sacrifice

"SACRIFICE" by Lucky Stancliff "GREETINGS!" my family and friends, Hope this finds everyone feeling fine. ME? I've had better days. I am at the age, 73, to where EVERYTHING seems to be going wrong with my body, but, I NEVER expected to live this long! I did not even think that I would live to see 30! I have 'sacrificed' a lot of my body to injury throughout life. All of us have to 'sacrifice' many things in life. It can be physically, mentally, or some item we owned. At times throughout life, we have had to 'sacrifice' something that we didn't wish to. That is a part of 'life'. Usually, it is for something that will be beneficial to us. At other times, it was NOT a good trade. The biggest 'sacrifice' of course, is giving one's 'life' for a cause. Dying as a soldier in war is the MOST common 'sacrifice'. "HEY! LUCKY! STOP! Stop picking words that are so 'negative'! WHEW! This is supposed to be a 'positive' 'blog', not a 'downer'!" "Okay Willie, I get your point. I knew there was a reason that I 'sacrificed' my sanity to create YOU!" Folks, what can I say, the 'pest' has a point. The word 'sacrifice' IS A DOWNER! At any rate, 'sacrifices' will always be a part of our lives, for good or bad. The only thing that a person can do is ...... make sure that they are for a 'positive' reason in life. My family and friends, just know that many 'sacrifices' have to be made throughout life ...... so give serious thought to them. Hope you have a pleasant day, and know that I truly care. Why?, you might ask ...... because ...... me, myself, and I, have finally turned 'human'. It was a 'sacrifice', but well worth it! Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

The Totaling Up Of Life

The Totaling Up Of Life by Lucky Stancliff When a person gets old, or, whenever they are faced with 'death' being the next and last step in their 'life', they become conscious of their 'entire' life ...... did it add up to being a 'plus' or a 'minus' overall. I myself, could never add it it up to be a 'plus', but, I can die knowing that I was a better person at the end, and that fact alone, let's me die with a little more dignity within myself. I have helped a number of people throughout life, but, it cannot make up for all of the heartaches that I caused other people in my life. A person will always remember the 'good' and 'bad' things when it comes time for 'judgement day' if they have the 'time' to think about it before 'passing'. Yes, humans are never perfect, never have been, never will be. But, the future will clear up a lot of faults within humanities philosophy, by eliminating the 'negative' aspects of the human mind. Just know that when your time comes to pass from this world, it is better to be able to add up the 'plus' side to be much more than the 'minus'. 'Life' is a challenge until the end. Hopefully, a person can end it with a 'positive outlook' and a feeling of 'satisfaction'. Until that time comes ...... Stay positive: productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

Animals

"ANIMALS" by Lucky Stancliff And a "HOWDY DO!" to all of the nice folks out there, Well, well, we have got 'animals' to discuss. I am definitely an 'animal person'. I have had dogs, cats, horses, a calf, 2 peacocks, 2 flying squirrels,and rabbits. I have loved animals my entire life. One thing about it, this planet has plenty of 'animals', and the most intelligent 'animal' is 'humans'. Yes, we can pride ourselves for becoming the most advanced 'animal' on this planet. But, the other side of that is this ...... WE MAY DESTROY THIS PLANET! 'Humans' are a strange creature, they seem to go through spells of pushing the limits of 'reality'. With the ability of changing the 'atomic structure' of ANYTHING!, one little mistake could cause a change in the within the future of 'humanity'. It could cause all of the atmosphere to become 'unbreathable' to humans. It could cause all of the worlds water to become 'undrinkable' to ALL animals on Earth. "HEY! LUCKY! Look at YOURSELF! 'Something' has changed you!" "You are right about that Willie, and I'm thankful for the change. I enjoy being 'positive' about things. That is how this 'blog' got started." Yes, we are merely 'animals', that have succeeded to evolve into a 'force of nature' within the universe. We call that force, 'humanity'. Yes, we are merely 'animals' in the true sense, but the ability to analyze and overcome obstacles in order to make 'progress' is what sets us apart from the 'animal kingdom'. My family and friends, have a nice day, and keep your 'animal instincts' under control! Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

The Storm

"THE STORM" by Lucky Stancliff "HELLO! THERE!" Hope this finds all of you in good spirits, 'The storm' ...... "HEY! LUCKY! Did YOU pick these two words to have a conversation about?" "Yes Wiile, I did. And, I knew 'ahead of time' that it might create a 'storm' between people. All different races and ethnic beliefs thrown onto the same planet! WHEW! Look out world! It might explode just out of 'desperation' to gain the 'upper hand' and control the 'future and fate' of humanity." Folks, we always have some kind of 'storm' going on ...... "Look's like 'stormy weather' coming." "He 'stormed' in here and ......" "The troops 'stormed' the place and had total control ......" "It was a real .... 'storm'! 'STOP! STOP! Lucky! Don't you even go there. You haven't said one, NOT EVEN ONE little curse word in this entire 'blog', and it IS NOT going to happen 'now' or 'ever'!" "O.K., o.k., WILLIE! I wasn't really going to do that anyway" Folks, just know this ...... no matter how 'stormy' it gets ...... I will always be here to 'hopefully' make your day a little better. Life is much better with 'positive' forces behind a persons intentions. Trust me, you will still have enough 'negative' things happen throughout life to make you really appreciate the 'positive' things. That is just how 'life' is. We just want to make sure, if possible, that the 'positive' takes 'first place' within the 'mind' as a leader of 'thinking'. My family and friends, my hopes and wishes are with you. Have a nice day, and try to avoid any 'storms' of the 'negative' nature. Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

Special

"SPECIAL" by Lucky Stancliff And a "GOOD MORNING!" to all of you, You know what? It is actually pretty 'special' to be able to write to anyone who wishes to communicate. I've done so much 'prison time' that technology passed me by. But, I still have my 'specialties' in certain things ...... martial arts ...... exercise ...... Scrabble ...... writing ...... and, trying to stay 'positive', 'productive', and 'focused'. Yes, we all have things we do that are 'special' to US! It may not be 'special' in the eyes of other people, just as their 'special' may not be what we ourselves would want to do. But, nevertheless, we ALL have 'specials' that we like to do. "SPECIAL! SPECIAL! GET YOU BURGERS HOT!" "What is today's 'special'?" "You think you're 'special'?" "What's your 'specialty'?" "HEY! LUCKY! Am I 'special'?" "Yes, I would say so Willie. You are part of a very 'special' thing ...... trying to help people in being 'positive', each and every day." My family and friends, there are millions of 'special' things within our existence, what WE do with them is what counts. Take what YOU feel is "special' to you and make it a 'positive' part of you're life. Just know this ...... ALL of 'life' is 'special', so use it to create and promote 'positive' things within life. We are all a part of 'humanity'. I just wish I had not followed a path against society when I was young, but, one cannot change the past. The best I can hope for, is to help other's become more 'positive' in life. Have a nice day and know this ...... I know, that each and everyone of you are 'special' in many different ways. Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

Forgiveness

"FORGIVENESS" by Lucky Stancliff "Greetings!" my family and friends, This is a very hard word for me, for I am a man who doesn't 'forgive' easily, but, at the same time, I myself am searching for 'forgiveness'. Yes, 'life' itself, has many 'ways of thinking' that combat each other. That is why we MUST think seriously when building a philosophical belief within our 'rules to live by'. Our 'beliefs' have to be adjusted sometimes during life, for 'beliefs' change with gaining knowledge throughout life. 'Forgiveness' is an emotional response about an error that happened. A person needs to be able to admit that they ARE NOT perfect! "Forgive me, I didn't mean to step on your foot." "I can't 'forgive' you for what you've done." 'Forgiveness' is a way of 'clearing the slate' and starting anew. EVERYONE ON THIS PLANET has had an emotional moment at sometime or another. It is a common feeling, associated with wanting to maintain 'respect' between people. "HEY! LUCKY! I got something you can 'respect'! My 'right' to sleep!" "Well, hello Willie! Glad you could make it." "Please forgive me for interrupting, but, could you ...... SHUT UP!" "Willie, Willie, Willie, now hear this ...... 'GET UP! ...... GET UP! ...... GET UP! ......" Folks, Willie is acting like a spoiled brat, he is going to have to understand that when I want to write ...... I WILL WRITE! My cellmate claims ...... 'a writer has to write' ...... that's me! My family and friends, have a nice day and know that I care. Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

Walking

"WALKING" by Lucky Stancliff And a "GOOD DAY!" to all. How are my 'listeners' doing out there? Fine, I hope. 'Walking' ...... now there is something that I know a little about. Yes, I am a 'walker', and yes, I am 'walking right now as I type this. Why?, you may ask ...... BECAUSE!, it is healthy! Keeping the body in good health is one of the most important things that a person should 'focus' on throughout their entire lifetime. I started my 'walking routine' in 1991 on an oval, concrete track. I would 'walk' at a fast pace, a mile every 15 minutes, and hold that pace for 2 hours, for a total of 8 miles each day. It was a good pace for working the 'entire' body. One thing about humanity, 'walking' is the MOST important means of 'transportation' ever used throughout history. "HEY! LUCKY! How many times do I have to tell you this ...... 'SHUT UP!' I can't sleep with you running your mouth!" "Well, excuuusssseeee ME! I wouldn't want to awaken his 'Royal Highness'!" Folks, please excuse Willie for butting in so rudely ...... but, I can understand why he does it ...... he was 'programmed' to do it by an idiot named LUCKY! That is what I get for creating a 'pest'! Let me get back to 'walking'. It is the MOST used exercise to help older people like me, to stay in health. My family and friends, have a pleasant day an.... AAAHHHH! WHEW! I just ran into that stainless steel commode with my shin. THAT SMARTS! I need to learn how to 'walk' straight!, or get a bigger cell! Just know that my 'mind' is out there with you. Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

Plans

"PLANS" by Lucky Stancliff "HELLO FOLKS!", it's that's ol' 'sidewinder' Lucky, You know, I was sitting here thinking about 'plans' and decided to write you about them ..... so here goes ...... "YES INDEED!" , all of us have 'plans', some succeed, some don't. Some 'plans' are written on paper. Some 'plans' are NEVER put on paper. 'Plans' are 'changeable' at any stage throughout a project. Some 'plans' go against 'rational thinking' and are a 'negative' influence within 'society'. Even 'humanity' itself, has to make 'readjustments' in order to make progress within this universe. 'Plans' change, in order to succeed. "HEY! LUCKY! Did you 'p!an' on becoming a 'writer'?" "Willie, I think I've known from the year 1991, that I would enjoy being a 'writer', but, I just now got to the point of taking it seriously as a 'life long goal'. "Well folks, it seems that WE are stuck with Lucky ...... I was hoping for a puppy! ...... or maybe even a kitten! ...... but NO! WE GOT UNLUCKY! ...... and GOT the real 'Lucky' instead!" "Willie, why are you 'griping'? ...... I created YOU!, the 'pest'!" Folks, Willie is a little confused, sometimes he gets to thinking that jumping into MY letter's was his 'idea' ....... NOT! Don't forget ...... HE is the 'pest'! HE IS NOT REAL! FULL OF HOT AIR! ...... hold on a second ...... email ...... "Yes, 'mam', if you want 'Willie' to be real, then 'he's as real as can be! Thank you lady for your nice input.!" My family and friends, 'plans' change ...... Willie. IS REAL! Have a very pleasant day if possible and know that I care. Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

The End

"THE END" by Lucky Stancliff And a "GOOD DAY!" to everyone! ...... you know ...... I've been thinking ...... "HEY! LUCKY! That is the problem ...... YOU THINKING! ...... it's a wonder the whole universe doesn't explode!" "Willie, you just have to do your job of being a 'pest', don't you?" "Lucky, as the old saying goes ...... "it's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it!" ...... Folks, I think Willie hit the 'nail on the head' with that thought. 'Life' has to be lived 'regardless' of it's 'hardships'. We have to except that fact of 'reality' ...... WE CANNOT CONTROL EVERYTHING! ...... if we did, where would the challenge come from that the human 'mind' seeks to find within 'life'? 'Humanity' WILL survive within the universe. It will become a 'force' within the 'universe'. Why? Because that is the destiny of 'humanity' to become a 'force of nature'. Humanity has already built many important things to ready for the change that is coming. The 'great minds' that have existed in the past have shown humans the 'roads' that are possible in the future. My family and friends, we are all a 'part' of the 'History of Mankind Within the Universe', and the story is just beginning. Know this fact, 'THE END' will never happen for billions of years. Humanity will continue to rise and conquer within each stage of existence, for the human 'mind' is a 'natural born computer', programmed to overcome any and all problems it is confronted with. Have a nice day, and know that each and every one of us has a purpose for being here at this time within humanity. Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

Just Talk

...... just talk ...... by Lucky Stancliff "Hello!" to all of my family and friends, WE, you and I, are just going to talk about whatever comes into our 'minds', and if you wish, you can email it and I promise to answer. Trust me, I have enough 'time' to do that! WE can turn this 'blog' into a 'Talk Show' and have a world of fun with it! Yes indeed, that is a part of my dream that I wish to accomplish ...... for I wish to be a part of a lifestyle that is focused on progress within this world. Something 'positive' and 'good' that I can keep my mind interested in for the rest of my life, and hopefully, spread some 'happiness' and 'positivity' within other people's lives. THAT is my 'goal' to accomplish before leaving this world. "HEY! LUCKY! Couldn't you have found something a little easier to accomplish? Seriously? The whole of humanity? WHEW! Good luck!" "Willie, just watch, people would rather be 'positive' in the 'mind' than to be 'negative'. Folks, wouldn't you rather have 'good times' as a choice OVER 'bad times', that just comes natural to the human brain. And that is exactly WHAT I'M DOING! Promoting 'positive thoughts and actions' within people, thus, making 'life' more 'meaningful' to each and every person who likes my 'talks'. My family and friends, have a nice day and know that you are in my thoughts. "WHEW! I didn't think he was ever going to shut-up! Lucky gets caught up in his desires ...... later folks!" Folks, Willie is right, ALL humans get 'caught up' in their emotions throughout life. It's as 'natural' as breathing. Until next time ...... Stay positive, productive, and focused.

[wisdomfromprison]

The Good Earth

"The Good Earth" by Lucky Stancliff The Earth provided shelter, from the trees we make lumber. Warm within our houses, we are able to slumber. The Earth provided nourishment, from fertile soil our crops grow. We can eat healthy foods, from the seeds we have sown. The Earth provided heat and light, from the power of the Sun. Helping us work and play, until the day is done. The Earth gave birth to humanity, and gives us time for growth. Letting us grow with knowledge, until we travel the universe.