Rebuilding My Life: From Total Chaos to a New Chapter
Life after prison is a whirlwind of challenges, self-discovery, and rebuilding. After 4.5 years
behind bars, I am now navigating the complexities of starting over. It hasn’t been easy, but
every step I take feels like a victory—a step away from the chaos of my past and toward a
future I’ve been working tirelessly to create. Here’s a glimpse into my journey so far.
The Weight of the Past
Before my incarceration, my life was ruled by addiction and trauma. Meth had a stranglehold
on me, and my choices led me down a path of destruction. Those years in prison forced me to
confront the damage I had done to myself and others. They also gave me a chance to reflect
and plan for the life I wanted to build once I was free.
Finding Stability After Release
Upon my release, I faced a world that felt both familiar and foreign. The first order of business
was getting my basic needs in order. I secured a job, which gave me a sense of purpose and
structure. I also made the decision to join Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics
Anonymous (NA). With the help of my sponsor, I’ve begun tackling the demons that led me to
addiction in the first place.
Another step in my recovery has been prioritizing my physical health. I got a gym membership
and started working out regularly. Fitness has become more than just a way to stay in shape;
it’s a source of therapy and a way to build discipline.
Rebuilding Relationships
One of the most profound aspects of my journey has been reconnecting with my estranged
father. After years of separation, we’re slowly building a relationship. It’s not perfect, but every
conversation and shared moment feels like a step toward healing. Reconnecting with family
has shown me the power of forgiveness and the importance of nurturing meaningful
relationships.
Pursuing My Passion for Reform
While rebuilding my personal life is vital, my true passion lies in reform. During my
incarceration, I developed a vision for a criminal justice and prison reform project called
E.M.P.I.R.E. The website for the project is [empirecorp.org](http://empirecorp.org), where you
can learn more about its mission and goals.
Sharing My Story
Writing has always been a way for me to process my emotions, and I recently completed my
autobiography, *Total Chaos: The Story of My Life*. The book is a raw and honest account of
my experiences with addiction, incarceration, and redemption. It’s a story I hope will resonate
with others who feel trapped by their circumstances and inspire them to believe that change is
possible.
I’m gearing up to publish the book on Amazon, and I’ve also launched a website,
[stephenogdenjr.net](http://stephenogdenjr.net), to help promote it. Marketing is a new
challenge for me, but it’s one I’m ready to tackle. My hope is to bring my story into the public
eye and spark conversations about addiction, recovery, and reform.
Moving Forward
Social life is something I’ve struggled with since my release. Making new friends isn’t easy, but
to be honest, it’s not my main focus right now. My energy is directed toward growth—both
personal and professional. Every meeting I attend, every page I write, every step I take in the
gym—it all adds up to the life I’m building.Life after prison is hard, but it’s not impossible. I’ve learned that progress isn’t always linear,
and success doesn’t come overnight. But with determination, support, and a clear vision, I’m
finding my way forward. For anyone out there struggling, know this: it’s never too late to rewrite
your story.
