Busy Signal: eight life lessons learned

AFTER serving six months in a United States jail for jumping bail and failing to appear in court 10 years ago, deejay Busy Signal is reflecting on his time spent behind bars.

He shared eight of the life lessons he learned during that time with Splash.

(1) God

With God all things are possible; prayer and faith can move mountains. I prayed every day while behind bars. I've always been a strong believer in God and His blessings and what happened was a true testimony to His power.

(2) Karma

Be careful of what you do in life because your past will always come back to haunt you. Always try to follow the straight and narrow. It's easy to get misled, especially when you're young and impressionable. My decision 10 years ago to run from the United States came back to haunt me six months ago and I paid the price.

(3) Family

Family and great friends are priceless; even in your most trying times only the real ones stay by your side. When you're an artiste and on top everybody wants to be your friend, but when you're in trouble, you see how fast those 'friends' disappear.

(4) Life

Appreciate life and your freedom; never take either for granted, and give thanks daily for them both. Five months in a maximum federal facility with only one hour to make phone calls made me appreciate all that I had even more. When I was sentenced, I counted down to my release date every day -- I just wanted to step out of that prison a free man.

(5) Professionalism

The good that one does will always be repaid one day, especially when you are not looking for it. I've always tried to maintain a good record, especially when it comes on to my professional requirements. I've never missed a flight, never taken a promoter's money and not turn up, etc When the judge in Minnesota checked my professional record, what he saw was also a determining factor in the time I was given.

(6) Stay Positive

Keep away from negativity. Negative thoughts aren't healthy -- always think positive no matter the situation you're in. Surround yourself with positive people.

(7) Truth

The truth shall set you free. It's as simple as that.

(8) Keep your mind active

It's easy to sit in an empty prison cell and do nothing but sink into depression. I bought search word books and watched TV to keep myself constantly thinking. I'm always thinking up new songs, so my time behind bars was definitely an opportunity to work on new material. Two new songs were released within five days of my release.

(from Jamaica Observer)