Being stigmatized often causes people to be unfairly judged, stereotyped, excluded, or treated differently. Why do we do it, you might ask. It is my belief that people stigmatize others to avoid looking at themselves.

Have you ever made an embarrassing mistake? Most of us have said or done things we would like to erase from our memories. In 1981 I was arrested for driving while intoxicated and spent a night in jail. The drunk tank is no place I wanted to return to.

Even in 2026 seeking therapy is still stigmatized by some parts of society. Up until 2008 insurance companies paid partial benefits for therapy. It took federal law to rectify this.

When I’m speaking with inmates, I share my story of growing up in a dysfunctional family. Most of the men and women in prison can relate. The people who have been in prison often get stigmatized. Yet, I remind them that when they get out, they should walk out with their heads held high and their shoulders back. They have satisfied everything the State of Texas has required.

We aren’t limited by the worst decisions we made unless we allow them to limit us. Keep the people who throw your past in your face far away from you. Those aren’t your people.

Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be your best. They are your people…