Unapologetically Caged

Hey, hey, hey!!! Beautiful souls. Welcome to the cage of Pheonix, my life beyond the bars. My name is Pheonix, and I am a 26-year-old incarcerated mother of two who goes by the name Pheonix Rising. I am UNAPOLOGETICALLY HER AND SHE IS ME. I'm here to dish out raw truth about surviving, thriving, and rising above the statistics of the system. I'm here to encourage myself and to give all you young ladies encouragement, telling you that it's okay to be down and out. It’s OK to be from the hood of whatever city you are from. You can rise and soar beyond the Bullsh*t called life and hardship, heal from trauma, escape abuse, beat addiction, become that better sister, daughter, or mother that you dream of. Sometimes all we need is that extra push and commitment from someone who needs nothing in return, and that's what unapologetically caged means to me. It’s a safe space for the young, lost, and broken souls that are searching for a way out. Here, we will discuss women’s empowerment, strength, resilience, and the challenges of finding a light in a dark place. It took going to prison for me to learn real discipline and respect for not just authority but for myself, my loved ones, and my children. During this journey, we will laugh, we will cry, we will reflect on past and current situations, but above all, WE WILL ALL RISE ABOVE THE ASHES CALLED LIFE! I don't want any of you young ladies ever to have to end up behind these steel bars and concrete walls because the judicial system breaks you down. It will crush your spirit, it will spit on your heart, it will wipe your tears with your own blood, and you will sleep peacefully knowing another life was stripped. The System is a cage where they expect you to abide by the treatments like a Zoo. Expect for you to stay silent as though you were born an animal... but honey, let me tell you something, I RESPECTFULLY threw on my Jumanji gear, strapped my boots, put my rebellious pride to the side, and with that I ROSE as the ZOOKEEPER!!!!!! I also come to share the Gems that I've uncovered in a place that sought to keep them hidden so that we can thrive as a community. Here, you'll find stories, poems, and it’s not only going to be sweet, but there will also be spice, along with things that aren't so nice. With that being said, welcome and remember we get real, so proceed with CAUTION, dolls