"I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole." When Merle Haggard penned those lyrics he could have been writing about Gerald Daniels. Yet, it was while he was behind prison bars that Gerald learned the life-changing lessons that he shares with people today.

Gerald earned a degree in counseling while in prison and today he helps people explore new approaches to correct nonproductive behavior and attitudes and make positive and permanent changes in their lives. He knows what he’s talking about — he is a living testament to the fact that success can be achieved by anyone regardless of their circumstances.

Gerald grew up in what he describes as a normal family. But addiction started him down a path that eventually led to prison where he would spend nearly twenty years of his life. It was there that Gerald discovered his purpose in life as a result of participating in a workshop conducted by Purpose Unlimited. The discovery of his purpose — to help people make sense of the difficult issues in life — would start him on the path that would lead him out of prison. Five years later Gerald was miraculously paroled. But the transformational power of purpose was evident in Gerald’s life long before he was released. Other inmates and even prison staff would seek Gerald’s help in dealing with difficult issues they faced in their lives.

Today Gerald is helping people outside prison walls make sense of the difficult issues in life. He has played a key role in building a successful landscaping business as a member of the company’s management team. He is a respected member of his community and spends much of his time sharing his powerful message as a professional speaker.

Gerald hasn't forgotten about those who are still inside prison walls. He is working with Purpose Unlimited to help inmates in the nation’s correctional systems experience the transformational power of purpose and start them on the path of returning to society as purposeful, successful people.

Click here to watch a brief video about Gerald

GERALD’S MOST REQUESTED TOPICS

Now, That Makes Sense!

Everyone struggles with difficult issues. In this presentation Gerald shares the life-changing lessons he learned during the twenty years of his life he spent behind prison walls — the most important of which was to make sense of the difficult issues in life. Gerald offers a new approach to age-old problems with practical advice, words of encouragement, and corrective measures to help us deal with the difficult issues in our lives. His message simply makes sense.                                                                  

It’s Your Choice

While not everyone is addicted to drugs, everyone is addicted to patterns of behavior that keep them from leading happier and healthier lives. In this presentation Gerald shares what he learned in the process of changing the pattern of behavior that led him to addiction and prison to the pattern that led him to becoming the purposeful, successful person he is today. It all started because he made a choice.

Voices and Choices - Who Are Kids Listening To?

Gerald’s ability to penetrate the wall that youth often put up is truly a gift. The response is remarkable because he has taken the time to understand what is important to them while staying relevant in our ever changing culture. Gerald’s presentation is so genuine that no one is left to wonder what it takes to stay drug free or of the consequences for those who refuse to listen. His unique perspective of the tragic world of addition is refreshing, informative, and brutally honest.