I have not written anything in my journal for a week...
It's been somewhat intense at the E-North cellblock where I work, and especially in my own housing unit, D-North. Maybe this is the usual pre-summer tension that many correctional facilities at all security levels experience when the weather begins to get warmer. More men are going to the recreation yards.
Energy levels increase as inmates come out of their winter hibernation. Men who haven't seen each other as much during the colder months, because they live at different parts of the prison, are now seeing one another more often. Old feuds and unpaid debts come back to memory. Hot summers often result in more fights.
As for myself, because of my feelings of burnout and exhaustion, I have written less in May. At times, I feel the effects of having to give too much of myself to very emotionally needy men. This takes its toll, and I simply need to remain in prayer, waiting upon the Lord to renew my strength, and try to slow the pace and recuperate when I can.
D.B.
Energy levels increase as inmates come out of their winter hibernation. Men who haven't seen each other as much during the colder months, because they live at different parts of the prison, are now seeing one another more often. Old feuds and unpaid debts come back to memory. Hot summers often result in more fights.
As for myself, because of my feelings of burnout and exhaustion, I have written less in May. At times, I feel the effects of having to give too much of myself to very emotionally needy men. This takes its toll, and I simply need to remain in prayer, waiting upon the Lord to renew my strength, and try to slow the pace and recuperate when I can.
D.B.