More friendses, I have them!
... and more importantly, a new sense of self-respect.
This weekend, I went through part 2 of an experience-based training that, according to the website (link here), "enable(s) you to effectively deal with past experiences that changed you into who you are, instead of who you want to be." I actually went through Part 1 a month ago, and wasn't really sure how to explain it, so I decided to wait until after Part 2.
I found out about this organization through Mark, who was doing a video for them. Naturally, they wanted him to go through the training so he could grok what they're all about. He found it very valuable, and so he lovingly nagged me into it. There were some hard, frustrating times in the class, and it caused me to wonder what I, as someone who has had a relatively easy life (for which I'm definitely thankful), could possibly gain from a program that mainly caters to folks who were abused, or are living with serious anger issues, or fighting addictions, etc. But, as they say in class, we all have to play with the cards we're dealt...
And I think it was definitely worth it! my self-esteem is much improved, and I no longer feel invisible, or ashamed of the skin condition I've had on and off since birth, or like I'm not good enough in my chosen career path. More importantly, I also feel more connected to and compassionate toward other people, as I realize that any person I pass on the street or deal with day-to-day is dealing with their own stuff.
...And even more importantly, I have a whole passel of new friends (there were 26 of us in the class), coming from a wide range of backgrounds & life experiences, who range in age from 18 to mid-40s! These are some of the sweetest, funniest, most caring folks I've ever met.
As a result of this, I want to try and stay in better touch with my other buddies as well... yes, this means y'all! If I don't have your email address, please let me know...
This weekend, I went through part 2 of an experience-based training that, according to the website (link here), "enable(s) you to effectively deal with past experiences that changed you into who you are, instead of who you want to be." I actually went through Part 1 a month ago, and wasn't really sure how to explain it, so I decided to wait until after Part 2.
I found out about this organization through Mark, who was doing a video for them. Naturally, they wanted him to go through the training so he could grok what they're all about. He found it very valuable, and so he lovingly nagged me into it. There were some hard, frustrating times in the class, and it caused me to wonder what I, as someone who has had a relatively easy life (for which I'm definitely thankful), could possibly gain from a program that mainly caters to folks who were abused, or are living with serious anger issues, or fighting addictions, etc. But, as they say in class, we all have to play with the cards we're dealt...
And I think it was definitely worth it! my self-esteem is much improved, and I no longer feel invisible, or ashamed of the skin condition I've had on and off since birth, or like I'm not good enough in my chosen career path. More importantly, I also feel more connected to and compassionate toward other people, as I realize that any person I pass on the street or deal with day-to-day is dealing with their own stuff.
...And even more importantly, I have a whole passel of new friends (there were 26 of us in the class), coming from a wide range of backgrounds & life experiences, who range in age from 18 to mid-40s! These are some of the sweetest, funniest, most caring folks I've ever met.
As a result of this, I want to try and stay in better touch with my other buddies as well... yes, this means y'all! If I don't have your email address, please let me know...