Three days ago, I walked out of prison, stepping into a world that feels both open and constricting at the same time. Freedom is supposed to be liberating, but right now, it feels nerve-racking. There’s excitement, of course, but also fear, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty.

After years of confinement, everything outside moves fast. Too fast. I feel pressure to adapt quickly—to secure housing, find a job, establish financial independence, and gain access to reliable transportation. But despite my determination, hesitation lingers. I want to do things correctly, but how? When? The unknown is daunting, and with so much at

stake, every decision feels critical. I don’t want to make mistakes that could set me back. That fear of failure can be paralyzing.

Then there’s the weight of labels. No matter how much time I’ve spent reflecting and changing, society still sees me through a different lens. Dependence on others, even temporarily, feels like a step backward, but at this moment, it’s unavoidable. The struggle is real—rebuilding life from scratch while carrying a past that doesn’t easily fade.

One thing I know for sure: I have to maintain balance. I’ve been sober for years, and that foundation is non-negotiable. My success depends on keeping my mind clear and my priorities in check. No shortcuts. No distractions. Just persistence, patience, and the willingness

to push forward despite the obstacles.

I have tried to establish the most basic goals which I can focus on each day. I write them down, and when my mind wanders, I center focus by returning to them. I haven’t been sleeping great or enjoying food as much as I hoped, however, with each day, I am gaining confidence. Each day done right builds a strong defense against the haunts of wrong.

I like my solitude but am looking forward to networking soon. The focus is long-term success—good, clean living is the secret. I just have to power through the awkward things and make the most of every interaction.

This blog is my way of documenting this

journey—the first 30 days of reentry. I want to share the real challenges, the small victories, and the moments of doubt. Maybe someone out there is facing the same struggles, and if my experience helps even one person, then it’s worth telling.

For now, I take it one step at a time, one day at a time. Because that’s all I can do.

The post Three Days Free – The Overwhelming Reality of Reentry by Rod Burger appeared first on Inmate Blogger.