Case Study - bringing challenge to opportunity

parts of Andrews first case study

My first exposure to SmilingOne as a member of Group of Hope and facing these Ladies as part of a group and expecting something new to our existing 'menu' was exciting to me. We are always eager to add more. After the introductions and short presentations a lot of questions were asked. Being someone who do not like to deliver speaches in front of people or to talk to people in general in front of others was in itself a 'problem' to me. At that stage I perfectly differentiated between a problem and a challenge.

A challenge at that stage I perceived as something that I have good knowledge of and being in competition with someone in relation to that knowledge or experience/ability etc. On the other hand I saw and experienced a problem as something out of my hands or something that I can barely deal with.

My first challenge/opportunity and at that stage my biggest 'problem' was communication. Discuss any topic in Afrikaans and I'm able and willing to give inputs and talk comfortably. Unfortunatley not one of these ladies were really Afrikaans speaking and couldn't really relate to certain Afrikaans expressions. "How am I ever going to explain myself as I wish to these people" It was disturbing and time wasting to constantly translate to the others what I had said. Fortunately for me these ladies really knew their 'stuff' and approach.

As I am really curious and always on it to speak my mind and give my viewpoint, I was 'forced' to speak their language. The pride (false) and low self-esteem really crippled me a lot in the beginning. Their apporach of allowance, patience and understanding took me totally by surprise, but tremendously inspired and motivated me to at least try and keep on trying. Although there's still a lot to learn, I'm very much more at peace whilst communicating in this 'foreign' language. This was my first challenge to opportunity. The opportunity of communicating in english since they do not understand Afrikaans, actually allows me to grow and speak more fluently and comfortably in English.

Another challenge/opportunity: Since religion is a very sensitive issue to me, again I was challenged to a great extend. Out of the discussions and conclusions I grabbed it that all of the coaches seems to 'dictate' the abilities to the 'Self', reference to source/sources, everyone are equal, there are no right or wrong, etc. Again the question arises that challenges me to the extreme. I do not want to take part in any occult movements or approaches. Since my rebirth only occured a few weeks previous to this, I was very sceptic. After much thought and meditation on the issue, I decided to give it a try and went so far to 'test' them to establish who and what they really are. To me at that stage it was a matter of trusting in who I thought I were and give it a try.

This was my second challenge to opportunity. Taking the opportunity to learn about them and in doing so discover who and what they really are, learn what you can and withdraw when you feel it necessary to do so.

Today I am really grateful and excited that I took the opportunity to explore their knowledge and views for in the process I have learned that these Ladies are really and truly wonderful and loving-caring human beings that decided to give us inmates the opportunity to discover and find ourselves in a multi-dimensional approach, embracing ourselves in appreciation, learning from one another and to move forward with and in trust. In achieving this they challenged me to the extremes. They took me responsibly, and with much love and care, years back and forth to find the real me, embrace me, trust in me and my process and progress with and in much appreciation.

Through this discovery and development they allowed and empowered me to live with the small steps of progress and peace to assist others in their processes by applying and living my new found values responsibly and through that set an example and create a mirror for others and myself.

I am still a lot challenged by my environment and fellow men and sometimes still reach out of a place of hurt and imbalance. Fortunately I'm more true to myself and my values and can more easily 'investigate' and analyze the emotions involved, bringing them to a place of embracement, identification and create a place and feelings of peace, love and harmony. In my daily existence I strive to make no space for so called 'problems'; but rather opportunities for Self-Discovery and Development.

Another challenge/opportunity: During my process we've started a Study Group amongst us whereas I've been a Client in the process. I shared my experience with my test-client and the way in which he challenged me. Me being impatient in allowing him his process with love, care and understanding. Yet again whilst discussing the issue I was challenged internally by the feeling of not being 'Coach' enough to guide the client to better understanding and acceptance of the Self and understanding where it originates from and pay attention to that with love and care. During the whole process and duration of the Client-Role I couldn't shake/loose the feelinng of being not enough since the false image and false pride still exists so strongly within. The approach of stepping back, thinking, allowing, embracing, identifying, progressing and resolving the emotions helped me a lot to not react out of that emotional state of no trust, no appreciation - a place of imbalance.

More than less I'm still challenged by my client for taking his own time to discuss issues with me in a Coach/Client format. He rather chooses to discuss issues under a friend to friend environment or atmosphere. Through guidance I've been adviced to let the process take form as it is and take the opportunity to resolve my own feelings. So, in actual fact, the test client gave/gives me the opportunity to resolve issues within me that were/are not attended to.

My current focus is that every given moment of being alive is an opportunity to learn, to embrace, appreciate and add value to progress with love, understanding and sharing with a SMILE. The process of responsibility allows me to be the responsible Smiling One to myself, others and my environment in presenting my Creator with integrity and dignity.

Due to the challenging process of 'Challenge to Opportunity' I am liberated and balanced in my daily life...

My feedback on the 1st Module "From Challenge to Opportunity"

posted on behalf of Andrew

Firstly - I would very much like SmilingOne to follow me to Malmesbury Medium!

My Identity = X-offender in rehabilitation
My Purpose = I live and share responsibly and continuously through life
My Direction = Unconditional Love, Guide and Assist my fellow human being in creating a peaceful, safe and caring community

SmilingOne brought me to a total new understanding and approach to myself and situations whereby I am empowered to act responsible towards myself, mankind and the environment at large.

Although I am still in the process and strongly and committedly progressing, I am already a fresh and new creation in progress. I am committed to positive change and willing to give of all facets of myself constructively to restore love, peace and safety amongst all.

I would really appreciate it if SmilingOne could continue their process with me on my journey in becoming the responsible individual in all areas of my being. Through that I would be able to guide those who need guidance towards responsibility and assist others who need assistance in becoming the best human being they possibly can be.

Your fellow responsible individual in progress and growth.

A. April