Bill Livolsi is a member of our White Collar Support Group that meets online on Zoom on Monday evenings. We will celebrate our 300th meeting on March 14, 2022, 7 pm ET, 4 pm PT.
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“Long before I reported to FCI El Reno, I found myself in my own prison. A prison fueled by years of misguided loyalties, shewed priorities, and horrendous decision making. I was trapped, miserable and paralized by fear. I was struggling to find anything I could control.
In 2014, everything came crashing down. I was of a mindset that said “my life was over”
In 2022, thanks to Jeff, Lynn, PPM, and my fellow travelers, I know my life isn’t over. In many ways, it’s better than it has ever been
The ministry has empowered me to ask better questions of myself, the most important being, what parts of my old life weren’t serving me anymore. I am not afraid to admit there were many, and I have gladly let them go
I’ve learned to be accountable for my own decisions. I do not blame anyone but myself for the choices I made (regardless of why I made them)
I’ve learned that to have truly authentic and meaningful relationships you cannot avoid difficult discussions
I’ve learned that vulnerability, honesty and transparency are virtues, not weaknesses, and are essential qualities for truly making amends.
By understanding my own blind spots, I’m learning to trust my own decision making again.
As a friend and fellow traveler said to me recently: “with anything difficult in life, if we want to change, we have to start with ourselves. We have to ask ourselves do we want to repeat the same patterns over and over, or do we want to change and move forward”.
And in this regard, I am very grateful for my fellow travelers for being a positive support network and for holding me (and each other) accountable.
Yes, my conviction may be with me forever but through this group I’ve learned I am not condemned to a life sentence of misery.
300 meetings & 6 years strong. Looking forward to the next 300.” – Bill Livolsi, Oklahoma
