Being court-ordered to wear an ankle monitor can feel like a death sentence for your social life. But the good news is that you can stay socially active and connected to your circle of friends, even while under GPS monitoring. In fact, focusing on the positive relationships in your life can help you adhere to court mandates and take advantage of your second chance.
Here are some tips for staying in touch.
Don’t Shut Out Your Friends and Family
If you are facing legal concerns, you may feel like cutting yourself off from everyone, but that’s not the answer. Many people face legal troubles, and the individuals who really care about you won’t be judgmental or cruel about the situation. They will step up to support you; trust them to be in your corner when you need them.
Of course, even with that in mind, it’s up to you to let them know what you are dealing with. Share as much as you feel comfortable doing.
Use Social Media
If your monitoring protocols restrict you to your home, use technology to bridge the gap. Think of all the different video-calling and social media tools available to you; using them makes it easy to stay in touch with your friends and family.
You can also join support groups or forums online for encouragement. Talking to others who have experienced legal challenges can help you stay compliant and hopeful.
If you enjoy online gaming, consider playing multiplayer games with friends. You could also use this opportunity to get to know gamers from around the world.
Make the Most of Approved Activities
Find out what you are and aren’t allowed to do while wearing your ankle monitor. From there, make a list of activities that you can participate in without violating the court’s rules.
Many monitoring programs allow you to attend work, school, medical visits and even religious services. Make the most of these opportunities to interact with others. If your monitoring program permits, you can even consider volunteering to support a cause you are passionate about.
Set Goals and Stay Positive
Now is also a great time to develop some positive habits that will help you once you’ve completed your court-ordered monitoring program. Set some new goals for yourself and work on tasks that will push you toward lasting change. Letting your loved ones know about your outlook will help you establish a good support system as well.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Feelings of isolation can snowball fast. If you start feeling cut off from your friends and family, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. There are also resources that can help, such as faith-based groups and counselors.
Use Your Ankle Monitor as a Tool for Growth
It isn’t all downhill if you have to wear an ankle monitor, but you don’t want to wait until you are feeling isolated to take action and reconnect. Be proactive and create a plan for maintaining healthy friendships and social connections. Doing so will help you get back to living life to the fullest once you’ve satisfied the court’s requirements.
