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he stand that I am is to be non-violent have more confidence in myself, and to be open and willing to learn how to trust people. During the last 9 months I’ve gained strength courage and confidence through my experience in Mirrors Programme. Participating in the programme gave me the opportunity to really stop and look fear in the face and supported me in doing things that I thought I could not.
Before starting the programme I thought that I couldn’t speak in public, thought that I couldn’t trust people, thought I couldn’t stop being angry and thought I couldn’t be myself. During the course of this programme I discovered that I no longer have to be angry about the things that have happened and that when I get angry I can manage it better. I have also learned that I have the capacity to trust people.
Throughout the entire programme, from enrolment to the residential and through the 9 month follow through I have allowed people to enter my life and have shared parts of myself with them. Prior to Mirrors I saw no possibility of that ever occurring. In addition, during the last 9 months I have gained enough courage and confidence to stand before you today and share my experience.
Participating in and completing the Mirrors Programme has helped me tremendously. Through my participation with the organization I now have a real life experience that I can give my word and keep it. I now know that I can be committed and be in action to have my life be the way I say that I want it to be regardless of the circumstances or situations that arise. This will support me in accomplishing my future goals.
During my six days of residential the hardest thing for me was to let my past be my past and stop living in it and allowing it to determine my actions in the present. When my mother died 4 years ago people told me to remember that God will never take something or someone away from you without the intention of replacing them with someone or something better. For a long time, dealing with my mother’s death was a challenge for me. What could be worse than losing your best friend and the person you love the most and who loves you the most?
I am still challenged in some aspects with regards to my mother’s death however, through participation in the 6-day course I discovered that I no longer have to blame myself for what happened to my mother. I also no longer have to allow how I feel about what happened to my mother stand in the way of having the things I want in life – healthy fulfilling relationships with people, belief in myself and happiness. Thanks to Mirrors Programme I have regained my power and have moved forward in my life.
