Hilton On Life Behind Bars and the Lessons Learned

Hotel heiress Paris Hilton is expected to be released from jail on Monday which will mark the 23rd day of her 45 day sentence for violating her probation on a DUI charge.

"The Simple Life" star said that life behind bars has been "horrible and really hard" but that she is proud of herself for serving out her sentence.

"In a way, I'm really glad this happened, because it changed my life forever," she said.

Hilton, who admitted that life in jail made her a bit crazy in the beginning, said that the experience has helped her to appreciate life more.

I'm so much more grateful for everything that I have, even just to have a pillow at night or food or anything," she said.

Hilton said that she is anxious to turn over a new leaf and that her image of a pop-culture punch-line is over with.

"I just realize that the media used me to make fun of and be mean about. Frankly, I'm sick of it. I want to use my fame in a good way," she said.

According to Hilton, she is claustrophobic, which made life behind bars that much more difficult.

"My cell is really small. It's hard. There's nothing to do but basically sit. A room with a bunk bed and a toilet and a desk," she said.

With her upcoming release from jail, Hilton said she is looking forward to the smaller pleasures in life.

"I just can't wait to see my family and have a nice meal and be in my own bed and appreciate all the things I took for granted and never really thought much about," she said.