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Phoenix Rising Survival – Magic Behind Bars Welcome to the Prison Chef Network Empresses, welcome to the prison chef network—where aprons are state-issued, knives are imaginary, and the only Michelin star we’re getting is for innovation under pressure. I’m Phoenix Rising, 26, a mother of two, walking the road of redemption, restoration, and forgiveness one day, one prayer, and one canteen creation at a time. They say art lives in paint and poetry—but honey, try surviving on a tray of grey mystery meat and tell me survival isn’t art. The Great Prison Food Illusion Prison food looks like it’s ready for Instagram golden macaroni, shiny gravy,…
Overcoming Compulsive Lying – by Pheonix Rising Compulsive lying and narcissistic behavior are survival mechanisms that feel protective in the moment they help you avoid shame, maintain control, or protect a fragile sense of self-worth. But over time, these patterns destroy relationships, undermine your credibility, and isolate you in ways you might not even recognize. If you’re reading this, you may be: • Someone who lies reflexively, even when the truth would serve you better • Someone who struggles to feel genuine empathy for others • Someone who avoids accountability by deflecting, minimizing, or blaming • Someone whose relationships consistently…
Why Self-Forgiveness Matters? Forgiveness is often cast as a gift we give others. But in practice, the most profound, most lasting relief and healing come when we first soften toward ourselves. Self-forgiveness is not about denying responsibility or excusing harm. It is about acknowledging mistakes, learning, and choosing to move forward with greater wisdom and compassion. Key Takeaways: • Self-forgiveness creates emotional space for healing, resilience, and healthier relationships. • It’s a process often iterative and non-linear that practical routines can support • Forgiving yourself comes first, followed by the choice to release burdens when ready. • Cultural context matters:…
Forgiveness: By Phoenix Rising Hello empresses, and welcome back to another blog segment where we talk about the hard stuff the stuff that makes us uncomfortable, the stuff we’d rather avoid, the stuff that’s easier to sweep under the rug than deal with. Today, we’re diving into forgiveness, and before you click away thinking this is going to be some preachy, “kumbaya,” let-bygones-be-bygones type of message, hold up. This is the real deal, straight from someone who’s had to practice what she’s preaching while sitting in a place where forgiveness feels impossible. The Forgiveness Myth To some people, forgiving someone…
Self-Healing – Hey empresses, Today at Unapologetically Caged, we’re doing something revolutionary we’re choosing to #SelfHeal. Not tomorrow. Not when conditions are perfect. Not when we’re finally “ready.” Today. Right now. Because here’s what I’ve learned sitting in this cell, separated from my two beautiful babies: transformation doesn’t wait for convenience, and healing doesn’t require permission. I’m Phoenix Rising, a mother of two, currently incarcerated, and I’m about to get brutally honest with you about something that took me years and these concrete walls to finally understand. We are our own jailkeepers. Long before I ended up here, I had…
Dear Younger Me – By Phoenix Rising Hey empresses (and young kings too y’all need to hear this just as much), If you could send a text message back in time to your younger self, what would you say? Would you warn yourself about that toxic relationship? That fake friend? That terrible haircut you thought was cute. (We’ve all been there, don’t even lie.) Well, I can’t time-travel trust me, if I could, I’d be doing a lot more than writing this blog. But what I CAN do is write a letter to my younger self and hope that maybe,…
Life Shuffle – By Phoenix Rising Hello empresses, and welcome back to another blog segment where we delve into the randomness of life, with a touch of humor sprinkled on top, because, honestly, if we don’t laugh, we’ll cry. The Shuffle Challenge Alright, let’s do a little experiment together. Everyone, pull out your music list on your tablets, iPhones, iPods, flip phones (yes, I see you, old-school folks still holding on to that T-Mobile Sidekick), or whatever device you’re using to keep your sanity intact, and hit the shuffle button. Go ahead, I’ll wait. A random song started to play,…
A Father Story of Loss – By Bajan Owl She used to sit at the kitchen table, watching me read the morning paper, copying the way I folded it just so. When she got older, she’d ask my opinion on everything – which university program to choose, whether to take that job offer, even which apartment to rent. “What do you think, Daddy?” was her constant refrain, and I’d give her my measured, practical advice in the same tone my father used with me. Firm. Direct. No nonsense. What I didn’t realize then was that she wasn’t just seeking my…
Disrespect Blvd – By Phoenix Rising Hey empresses, I feel like we’ve gotten quite acquainted over these posts, but you guys still don’t know who “Phoenix Rising” really is or where she came from. I wasn’t always this wise bird dropping gems of wisdom like I’m Oprah’s spiritually woke cousin. No, ma’am. I was the one who gems were being made for—the cautionary tale your mama warned you about. In all reality, I led myself down the path of destruction. Not my mother. Not my father. Not my siblings. Not even my friends. Crazy, right? Most people love to blame their…
A Letter to My Father – By Phoenix Rising Hey Empresses, Today I’m sharing something deeply personal with you all—a letter to my father. I’m doing this because I’ve learned that healing doesn’t happen in silence, and maybe my truth will help you find yours. So here it is, straight from my heart to his: Dear Dad, Thank you for being a wonderful and loving support system throughout this journey of incarceration. We’ve always been close because you raised me the first few years of my childhood, and it was terrific. The moment I went to stay with my mom,…