The Reentry Journey: Navigating Life's Highs and Lows in 2025

The Reentry Journey: Navigating Life's Highs and Lows in 2025

The reentry journey isn't a single moment or achievement—it's a continuous path of growth, challenges, and triumphs that unfolds over a lifetime. As I reflect on the first quarter of 2025, I'm reminded that this journey comes with unexpected turns that test our resilience but also brings moments of profound joy and purpose.

The Valleys of Early 2025

January began with my body reminding me of its limitations. Nearly three weeks of illness confined me to bed, forcing me to slow down when all I wanted was to charge ahead with my plans for the new year. Just as I was regaining my strength, Mother Nature had other ideas—snowstorms kept me housebound for another two to three weeks. The isolation brought back memories of confinement that I had worked so hard to leave behind.

Physical challenges followed when I underwent radio frequency ablation on my lower back. The procedure itself was a reminder of the toll that life takes on our bodies, but also of the importance of healing and self-care—something that wasn't always accessible in my past life.

Then came the most difficult blow—losing my stepdad. Grief is a complex companion on this reentry journey, bringing both pain and reflection. His passing reminded me of the preciousness of freedom and family connections—the very things that motivated my transformation.

The Peaks of Possibility

Despite these challenges, 2025 has already brought remarkable opportunities. One of my greatest achievements has been launching a new prison program in another state. Expanding the On The Inside (OTIS) Re-Entry Academy represents the fulfillment of a vision I crafted while still incarcerated myself—a blueprint that has evolved into a mission to help others find their way to freedom, both inside and out.

The upcoming month holds even more promise as Second Chance Month approaches. I'll be sharing my journey and insights at four different conferences and summits across the Midwest—Little Rock, Arkansas; St. Louis, Missouri; Urbana-Champaign, Illinois; and Omaha, Nebraska. Each speaking engagement is an opportunity to advocate for those still working toward their second chance and to connect with fellow reentry professionals who understand that the work of transformation begins on the inside.

Finding Joy in Community

Perhaps the highlight I'm most looking forward to is our annual North Org Easter egg hunt. There's something profoundly healing about being known by the neighborhood children as "the Easter egg man." Their laughter and excitement represent everything I work for—stable communities where joy is accessible to everyone, especially the youngest members who deserve to see positive role models who have overcome adversity.

This nickname carries a special weight for me. Years ago, I was known by very different names, associated with very different activities. Today, being recognized for bringing happiness to children is a testament to how far this reentry journey has taken me.

Lessons from the Journey

What I've learned this quarter is that the reentry journey doesn't get easier—it gets deeper. Each challenge invites me to apply the tools I've developed: resilience, mindfulness, communication, and connection to my support system. Each triumph reminds me why I continue to share my story of transformation from inmate to inspiration.

As Kardell Sims, someone who overcame poverty, gangs, and prison to become a speaker, author, master certified empowerment coach, and business owner, I know firsthand that reentry truly starts on the inside—both within prison walls and within ourselves. The blueprint I developed during my incarceration continues to guide not only my path but now helps illuminate the way for others.

As I look ahead to the remainder of 2025, I carry both the weight of recent losses and the excitement of new opportunities. This is the nature of the reentry journey—a continuous process of growth that encompasses both struggle and success, always moving forward one step at a time.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Kardell