To Everyone I have Ever Known and know You Are Why I Do the Work I Do
I know I have helped many people since I’ve come home but please know I couldn’t have done it without the network of people God blessed me with. My mom, my family, my friends present and past- all of you are part of how I became who I am and am becoming who I was…
Gift to self- flea collars
So let me tell you why my new Seresto flea collars is a gift to myself! I spent most of my bonus from work on seven of them : six for my cats one, one for the dog we are fostering for one of our daughters. Why would I spend my bonus? Something that I…
Experience
Who was your most influential teacher? Why? The teacher that influenced me most is my life Experience.
Everyone has problems understand- you aren’t alone!
One thing is clear: everyone has problems—not just you, not just me—everyone is going through something. The flames of the fire you’re in might feel intense, but remember, if other people’s lives are also in flames, how can they be blamed for not being there for you? Are you so selfish to think they are…
An Absolute Pardon
Prompt-What was the best compliment you’ve received? On December 4, 2024, I received an absolute pardon- I would have to say that was the best compliment I’ve ever received. 
By CAR
Prompt: You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike? By TBG You see in my 51 years of life I’ve never been in a plane at least not that I can remember. And the one time I was on a train well actually I was on a train more than once…
Keeping My Power
What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings? The best strategy that I have developed is remembering that every time I give into somebody else’s bad behavior, I’m giving my power to them. I’m letting them dictate or control what I do and how I feel. So when I stop and consider, and…
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Tonight’s prompt: Who is the most confident person you know? These prompts can be really funny and you can actually take them any place that you want to. In this case when I was thinking about the most confident person, I know I immediately started thinking about not having any idea what People’s level of…
If you step on a crack you break your mothers back, if You break a mirror you have 7 years bad luck- no I don’t believe these things!!
Are you superstitious? First of all, I’m sorry, mommy if you’re reading this, but when I was a little girl, I can remember hearing that saying and jumping all over the cracks because I wanted to see if it was true and I don’t think I really understood the gravity of what would happen if…
The Walking Dead
What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times? My husband loves this show and I do too. It’s his go to show to put on. As for me I use to love The Jeffersons, Threes Company, 227, Sanford & Sons, In Living Color, General Hospital, NYPD, SVU, and a bunch more.…
I guess this prompt is easy and will take me no time at all…
Which animal would you compare yourself to and why? I wouldn’t.
A letter to my 100 year old self?
Write a letter to your 100-year-old self. Dear Old Self, I see you still keeping it 💯 Sincerely, Me Dear Readers- You know I had to start this prompt response with something silly because I guess I’ve never imagined myself getting that old. Or very old at all. Truth is I have really high anxiety…
Yay- I’d Love a Shopping Spree
Where would you go on a shopping spree? Honestly, if I could go on a shopping spree, it I envision it as an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime prize that gives me full access to a dream shopping spree not just for small ticket items it would be huge. Here’s how it would go… If I won the…
The last thing I learned..
What is the last thing you learned? Was probably a lesson. But seriously I know one thing as far as knowledge goes I’m constantly learning. As much as I do know- there’s a gazillion trillion infinite amounts of things I don’t know. So I’m a work in progress learning lessons and new things daily.
One question I hate to be asked…
What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain. I actually can’t think of one.
How Failure Set Me Up to Being in a Position To Help Many of God’s Children
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Tracie Bernardi Guzman The craziest thing is that, even when I felt like I was going nowhere—stuck in a never-ending tunnel without a glimpse of light—failure brought me something unexpected. That same failure, which once made me hate myself, consider ending it…
Prompt : You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence? TBG
A million thoughts a million memories and yet none seem like a good beginning…. There she was this new being starting life- just an infant, not even two months old and she was already causing drama. How you ask can a tiny baby girl cause trauma, I have no clue if I was aloud cryer…
Suicidal tendencies
Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to. This prompt described a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to you know honesty, my suicidal tendencies, and my suicidal ideations. for so many years anytime anything went wrong in my life my first reaction, my first thought was killing…
What experiences in life helped me grow the most?
What experiences in life helped you grow the most? Jail. If you never face consequences, you might never understand the need for change. Or the effects of your actions on other people and society as a whole. I don’t necessarily mean that everyone should go to jail or that jail itself helps people change. And…
In order for a person to successfully reintegrate into society, they first have to begin to heal from trauma in order to believe in themselves and see their own value and they need fair opportunities and your support!
By Tracie Bernardi Guzman One of the most important parts of getting better and healing, in my opinion, is exploring new things to see which resonate with you and maybe even discover some that you are good at. Sometimes people who have received negative messages throughout their lives don’t feel very good about themselves and…
I believe in purpose
Do you believe in fate/destiny? I absolutely believe we have to go through certain stuff as we are being molded into the person we need to be in order to fulfill our purpose. We create our own fate and destiny by our actions or inaction. I do not think everything is predestined to an extent…
Suicidal Tendencies
Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to. This prompt described a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to—my suicidal tendencies and suicidal ideations phase. For so many years, anytime anything went wrong in my life, my first reaction, my first thought, was killing myself. As you know,…
What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months? The biggest challenge I will face in the next 6 months is the same challenge I’ve always faced~just surviving. Every Day is a challenging in fact I can’t remember when I wasn’t challenged. Life is a constant struggle. I’ve just mastered doing…
What bores me
What bores you? If only I could say. Quite frankly there are so many things I could say but mom always said if you don’t have anything nice don’t say anything at all. But honestly we have one life to live, not two or three or four and to have no initiative purposely is so…
This is a funny question considering I just received a full an absolute pardon.
Have you ever unintentionally broken the law? One of the biggest things that I’m always saying is that – everyone has committed crimes they just haven’t all gotten caught, arrested and prosecuted. people are constantly discriminating against people based on a criminal record yet in some way shape or form the majority of everybody is…
It is Imperative Connecticut Connecticut Emessaging for Incarcerated People and Their Families !!
A note just for you, from Tracie Bernardi-Guzman As you can see from the photo I am In my element… I love being able to used my lived experience to help fight for human dignity!! I testified at the LOB yesterday about why emessaging is vital for the mental health of both the incarcerated person…
In Response to a friends post:
You have my prayers and my understanding. I can remember days where I felt like cutting or self harming and even threatened to do it in hopes someone could protect me from myself but most people who didn’t understand suicidal tendencies only judged me as weak or trying to get attention. Really I was screaming…
You asked: Is there a new Connecticut law that goes into effect regarding early parole for people who were under the age of 21 who got lengthy sentences ?
Yes, There is a new Connecticut law that expands parole eligibility for individuals who committed crimes before they turned 21. I am proud to my ACLU SmartJustice team and I advocated for this bill to get passed into law. The law, which went into effect on October 1, 2023, allows people who were under 21…
You asked: Did the law pass in CT saying Landlords can’t discriminate against people based on criminal records
Yes, I am proud to say I advocated for this bill with my Team at ACLU SmartJustice Leaders!! Connecticut passed a law that generally bans discrimination in the rental of housing based on a person’s criminal conviction status. The law, effective from October 1, 2024, prohibits housing providers from refusing to rent to someone solely…
Advocating For Compassionate Treatment of Incarcerated Individuals and Addressing the Impact of Language on Their Rehabilitation.
By Tracie Bernardi Guzman ©️2024 We know, if a person has experienced trauma or abuse, the treatment should never be inflicting more trauma and abuse. In the case of an incarcerated person who has been accused of breaking the law, one might do better to understand their circumstance. First, most incarcerated people have experienced some…
Likes & Comments & Shares
Thank you to my loyal friends who like and share my stuff It means a lot to me!
The Greatest Gift Someone Give Me
Besides ten hundred Billion Dollars, the best gift that someone can give me is respect. Respect for me means that you are conscious of me as a human being and you treat me the way that you want to be treated. If you want me to take your feelings or needs into consideration then you…
favorite activity
What are your favorite physical activities or exercises? My favorite physical activity is sleep. seriously my body rejuvenates and prepares me to do my second favorite activity- problem solve. Although I am not a great mathematician and I always get perplexed when I’m given a math problem but human problem solving seems to be my…
True Colors
Have you ever had an idea who is but choose to ignore it? You thought you were being to hard, too judgmental, to skeptical and non-understanding. So you went out of your way to ignore the signs. You even chalked your thoughts about the person up to your own insecurities, imagine that blaming yourself for…
Sleep
If you didn’t need sleep, what would you do with all the extra time? Lol the funny thing is I do need sleep and I don’t get it! And you wanna know what I do with all that extra time? I spend it pissed off, tossing and turning wishing I could freaking sleep!! Between my…
The Coolest Thing I’ve ever found and kept?
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever found (and kept)? So it’s not something I found but rather that my brother and his fiancé found. I was only going to foster her but fell in love and decided to keep her 🙂 She’s definitely cool, don’t you agree?
You have three magic genie wishes, what are you asking for?
If I could not fail…
What’s something you would attempt if you were guaranteed not to fail. Something I would attempt if I was guaranteed I would not fail is playing Powerball. Something else I would love to do is run for office. I’d love to be the next Governor of Connecticut. 🙂 What do you think? Would you vote…
Someone on Facebook posted I’m seeing everyone true colors.
Funny we say we are finally seeing someone’s true colors after we been knew how somebody was. We see them for who they are but we ignore it in the name of love and friendship and forgiveness and because we are already so invested. But we saw the red flags we just chose to let…
Someone on Facebook posted I’m seeing everyone true colors.
My response: not to her because I don’t know her situation but to this question in general. From my experience. Advice I wish I could have given myself. Funny we say we are finally seeing someone’s true colors after we been knew how somebody was. We see them for who they are but we ignore…
Facts to understand…
People get jealous cause they think other people have a perfect life. But remember everyone doesn’t wear their problems on their sleeve.
When I say, “get it right with God on Surviving the survivor here is what I meant-
And this doesn’t just go to Donna or those of us who Got caught it goes to everyone who has made mistakes. Get it right with God by confessing your sins to him and thank him for his forgiveness because it’s already yours. One thing I didn’t get to mention tonight was how connected I…
People out there who have gone through perimenopause and menopause. I need to hear from you if you have similar experiences to mine and if so, did it get any better and how?
I am experiencing heat flashes like contractions- they are like 15 minutes apart. They are extreme! Not only does my face get flushed but my body heats up from its core so bad and so intensely- the first 20 times it happened I ran in the bathroom and took my temperature 🤒 Not to mention…
California could soon reform solitary confinement—unless Gavin Newsom intervenes
Mother Jones; Getty Fight disinformation: Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily newsletter and follow the news that matters. Tracie Bernardi Guzman… California could soon reform solitary confinement—unless Gavin Newsom intervenes
Connecticut Hall of Change/ 2023 The Great Eight Inductee Ceremony
Francette Carson, ICN Sr. Correspondent The Connecticut Hall of Change honored the Great Eight at the Theatre Works in Hartford, CT. The first honor… Connecticut Hall of Change/ 2023 The Great Eight Inductee Ceremony
California Could Soon Reform Solitary Confinement—Unless Gavin Newsom Intervenes
Tracie Bernardi Guzman felt betrayed by her governor.Back in 2018, Bernardi Guzman had shared her story with Ned Lamont, the Democrat who, at the … California Could Soon Reform Solitary Confinement—Unless Gavin Newsom Intervenes
Nonprofits rally at Capitol for more funding
Nonprofit service providers rallied at the Capitol Wednesday to push for more funding next fiscal year. Democrats in the legislature say … Nonprofits rally at Capitol for more funding
Stop 🛑 Talking about skin color
So I want to put something out there! I don’t think that anyone should say ANYTHING about any one based on their skin color. Whatever “they” did to piss you off has NOTHING to with what color skin they have- whatever they did to upset you, was a behavior or action they perpetratedI assure youIt…
Answers to common Questions around Pardons and CleanSlate
What is Clean Slate? https://cleanslatect.org/ Am I Eligible? https://portal.ct.gov/cleanslate/clean-slate-eligibility If I’m not eligible for clean slate but think I’m eligible for a pardon who can I call for assistance? Email- Pardons@ghla.org Or call 860-541-5045 For questions and pardon applications assistance!! Tell them I referred you!!
The thing that I wish I could do more of every day…
When I think about the things that I wish to do but I don’t get to do first I wish I had more energy. But I also wish I had more time because thinking about the things that I wish I could do every day can’t happen without both of these components . Another necessary…
Do You Also Wonder about These things?
Here are answers to some questions that many people often wonder about: Remember that these answers are simplified summaries, and each topic has much more depth and nuance. Curiosity drives us to explore, learn, and seek understanding.
How to Write a Breakup Text or Email
Dear John letter is never easy, especially when you want to minimize hurt feelings while being honest. Here are some tips to help you write a compassionate and considerate letter: Remember that there’s no perfect way to end a relationship, but being respectful and compassionate can help minimize hurt feelings. Ultimately, be true to yourself and…
Steps to Being a Good Person
Being a good person involves a combination of empathy, kindness, and ethical behavior. Here are some steps you can take to cultivate goodness in your life: Remember that being a good person is an ongoing process. It’s about consistently making choices that align with kindness, empathy, and ethical values.
If you heard me speak today
Please don’t use my words to hurt anyone Use them only to heal and not to harm.
Poetry
When someone says, “Stay in YOUR lane. I have to stop, I must refrain. I must not express all the words that pour out my brain … like rain But still I refrain I stand where the Lord lead me to be So understand Only God can move me.
People interested in what I’m thinking…
I wish you would reveal that to me by liking, commenting and sharing my content. I know not everyone has extra money to donate I’m not asking for that but if you’re out there and interested in what I have to say please make me know that. If you want to hear real life stories…
Silly
When your words have not worked Others see your folly and try to reroute you. They stand with you as a shield from your own stupidity. They try to save you by replacing your words with theirs- they literally put the words in your mouth. You need them. But they your helpers don’t know…
Behind the Back Chatter: Navigating Human Nature in Friendships”
Whispered conversations, secret exchanges, the subtle shift in tone when someone exits the room – we’ve all been part of this behind-the-back chatter. Gossip, in its various forms, seems to find a way into our lives, even amongst the closest of friends. It’s a peculiar aspect of human interaction, often carrying a stigma that it…
My thoughts criminal records and the people who discriminate based on them…
Criminal records breed discrimination and no one cares because they think we deserve it. Called it upon our own lives when we made the mistake that lead us inside. Funny thing is ONLY those who get CAUGHT must live with the consequence of a criminal record. Those that made mistakes But by the Grace of…
I see you are reading my page 6/13/23 just a thought or two…
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my page. I want to apologize for not being able to find the time to write like I should. My life is so jam packed and bursting with things to do. I love the life of serving others but it leaves little time to…
Legislative Testimony
765 Asylum Avenue, 2nd FloorHartford, CT 06105860-523-9146www.acluct.org Testimony Supporting Senate Bill 1196: An Act Concerning Procedures Of The Department Of Correction Relating To Strip Searches And The Transfer Of Persons Who Are Incarcerated Between Correctional Facilities, and House Bill 6875: An Act Concerning The Issuance Of A State Identification Card Or Motor Vehicle Operator’s License…
My name?
Thoughts from Tracie:) They dragged my name though the mud to be sure I wore a scarlet letter because of it. But I took my power back and made my name a name that resonates love and good sentiments within the hundreds of people I was blessed to know along the way. I am proud…
Uncle Anthony 6/11/49 -1/12/23 RIP and Thank you I will be forever grateful 😇
Yesterday We Lost Uncle Anthony who was my moms older brother. He and I weren’t extremely close but my mom and him were very close which leads me to care deeply for him. When mom hurts I hurt. It’s just like that. You’re probably wondering if I’m writing about uncle A passing away yet posting…
Christmas 🎅🏽 in Jail.
I remember one year was the best Christmas on jail everSomeone got a potatoe chip company to donate two huge bags of potatoes chips per incarcerated person.We woke up Christmas morning and when they called breakfast we almost tripped over our delicious surprise as we stepped out of our cells. I was so surprised and…
Who Thinks About Dying?
I do. Every day. I imagine myself dying. And then I imagine everyone’s reaction. Then I imagine losing a loved ones. And then I imagine my reaction. It’s sad to think about death so much… To have it at the constant forefront of my mind Knowing so many people who have died and people who…
Note to people who act surprised…
I was away for 23 years. In that place you had to strategize to survive. I lived in a people cage for more than half my life. (At the time) Of course I’m part uncivilized. I’m fine with not being what you call “normal.” I don’t want to be regular. I want to be me.…
Hello
Happy Saturday! Know that you are not alone!! You are not targeted! We All experience our fair share of bullshit. We can either feel sorry for ourselves or we can Deal with what ever we are enduring! We can lay down and quit or stand up and face it. When we quit- we give the…
People having sex prank called Us
So yesterday I got a call from a number I didn’t recognize. It was a video call. So of course I didn’t answer it. At first. But I see across the screen like 25 other phone numbers. Wait !!This is a video group call from a number I don’t know I am not answering this.…
A poem I shared with my Capital Community College ENG-G102-Fall 2022 -Literature and Composition Class in my Power Point 11/6 -Poetry Presentation.
The Dance of Fate By Tracie Bernardi Guzman I stood in the center of the Dance Floor all alone, He appeared out of nowhere and offered to take me home. I stared at him directly in his eyes and somehow, I could hear their unearthly cries. It was not music or laughter; they were sounds…
Advice- If you feel like you try your best or work too hard but it’s for nothing because you aren’t getting the outcome you had hoped for – or the response.
A Tracie Bernardi Guzman original!! 10/23/22 Sometimes it takes a long time to see the rewards for our efforts. We think we are working hard for nothing. Like no one recognizes or sees our achievements. Like no one appreciates the great strides we go through to become better. Stop thinking that way!! The reward might…
Yesterday I saw something…
Headed to my physical therapy appointment I was at a heavy traffic intersection, I was stopped at the traffic light. I looked to my right up a head near the entrance of an underway -and I spotted a mother and her Curley haired son. As she pulled him by his hand, I smiled as I…
Stop Judging us long enough to give us a chance …
So I want to say stop calling me an ex con. Straight up a person convicted of a crime is a person. I say I am a formerly incarcerated person because it is important in my line of work. By my very existence I’m challenging every implicit bias or stereotypes type you may have been…
So maybe my readers need me to write? maybe I do.
So, you expect me to use proper English, and normally I am one who speaks by the book. Capitalize all proper names. Funny thing today during my English class we read a poem and it resonated so deeply within me, perhaps its why my disobedience. Certainly, I was taught proper English but why am I…
Thoughts on the Ungrateful… What are yours?
Sometimes the people in your life that you do the most for don’t recognize the sacrifices you have to make in order to accommodate their needs. Sometimes you want to outline it for them so they could have a clear picture, but at the same time you aren’t comfortable throwing things you have done for…
Healing
I wish anyone who is suffering right now Relief , healing and brighter days ahead. God bless you. You have more strength than you remember!! Find it! Hold on to it. Be healed.
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Tracie Bernardi Guzman 