24 Lessons I learned in Jail

After being wrongly accused of attempted murder, Charlena Hayes spent four days in the county jail. Although she was devastated, she managed to find hope and lessons in her experience. She offers this journal to help you do the same.

"You are charged with attempted murder." My mouth dropped open when the detective told me that. I was the victim, how am I the one being charged?!" As I sat there shaking my head in disbelief, the previously cordial detective turned into a cold, accusatory zombie. She believed my attacker, and I was going to jail! I had never even had a speeding ticket! Two hours later, I was sitting in the intake unit at the Prince George's County Jail. Although my situation was BAD, I managed to find some good during the four days I spent there. This journal offers 24 lessons I learned (or remembered) during the time I spent in jail. I hope these lessons will help you manage your emotions, hopes, health, and personal strength in good times and in bad.

Charlena Hayes is a civil servant, professor, and business owner. She writes about her personal experiences from her home in Maryland.