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Next Step to Being the Change - Testimonials

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"Across diversity, we connected and saw our similarities. We got real and made a commitment to change the world everyday."
"Unforgettable. This was truly, and surely, a life-motivating few days, because I experienced the power of listening and being heard. These 3 days have helped me become a better social worker than four years of university!"
"As a teacher, it is easy to become run-down and depressed about the types of things with which we are faced on a daily basis. Next Step was the ideal way for me to recharge and obtain a fresh perspective on teaching as well as on life in general. "
“Next Step was an amazing, life-changing three day adventure. I was amazed to discover some personal truths and learn about the truths of others. I now have a new outlook on life. I got to see how truly amazing people are. When a stranger can become a best friend in three days, that is amazing! I will never forget the fabulous time that I had at Next Step.”
“I learned something that I had never experienced before — I learned what true unconditional love is.”
“Next Step was a great experience that made me realize that everyone is equal, and that everyone deserves equal treatment.”
Next Step Exercise Workshop Vinny in the middle of a Next Step exercise. Photo Credits: Zach Cordner
“Next Step was very inspirational. I learned that a lot of people hide the things they go through and they go through every day hiding their pain behind a smile. It has made me more sensitive to others' situations.”
“At Next Step, I learned a lot about people. Now, when I look at people whom I thought I knew, I realize I didn't really know them. Everyone, no matter who you are, has gone through something that changes her or his life and how she or he looks at things.”
“To me, Next Step is about discovering who you are. I learn something new about myself every time I go. Not only do you learn about yourself, you learn so much about the people around you and it has taught me to be inspired by each and every person everyday.” “The Next Step was a chance for me to unwind and share a lot of things that have been going on in my life. It helped me a lot.”
“Next-Step was an amazing experience that will live in my memory forever. Being thrown into a room with sixty other people who I've never met, and by the end of the three days coming out with sixty new best friends is exhilarating! It has given me a whole new outlook on life.”
“Next Step was an incredible experience. I found the tools to be really helpful and I was able to realize that I can get out of the boxes that I was in and be free. I also was able to recognize several of the tools that I was using that do not serve me anymore and have thrown them out of my toolbox. I know that this work is needed to make this world a better, more loving and compassionate place for all.”
“If you question at all for what reasons you educate, this workshop will profoundly help guide you.”
“This was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It was inspiring and eye-opening.”
Next Step Exercise Photo Credits: Zach Cordner
“It's a training for all leaders-teachers, parents and community leaders.”
“One of the most healing, impactful and best-led workshops I've ever attended.”
“A unique opportunity for people of diverse backgrounds and different generations to learn and share of themselves in support of our youth growing in health and happiness.”
“This program changed my life, and through myself and others, will eventually change the world for the better.”
“[This] is the workshop that can and will allow you to explore your life experiences, and how [they] relate to young people. [It] is the venue for young people and adults to be in an equal place in this world.”
“I felt safe to explore the mystery of family with compassion and truth and not to look away when it would have been easier.”
“If there is anything in your life you've wondered about trying, despite the fear and unknown, this is the thing/workshop worth mustering all your courage and faith to attend.”
“Powerful, inspiring, illuminating, thoughtful.”
“Wow!”
“We were teaching our students all about our brains and learning styles. Something was missing. [This training] teaches about the heart.”
“You have empowered me to be great!”
“This program is the most effective, most powerful tool I've ever seen in teaching people to co-exist peacefully.”

We received the following letter from a participant after a Next Step
to Being the Change workshop in Toledo, Ohio.

“While time is permissible and pleasure is demanding, I just wanted to take a few minutes of my unoccupied time to share with all of you. I do hope this letter finds you and your family members in the best of health.

Wow! Where do I start? What an amazing experience we shared last weekend with each other at Next Step. I felt so honored and grateful that I had a chance to share the experience with you. Thank you kindly for coming into and being a part of my life. I'm so thankful that I have met you. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. We will always be connected and now that we share something very special.

I was sitting at home today just thinking about how we could change this world in such a short period of time with doses of Next Step's medication from the Next Step Pharmacy. That may be thinking a bit out of the box; however we could start with ourselves.

I am reminded of how hasty we are to make judgments of one another based on exterior appearances. It's unfortunate that we don't allow ourselves to delve deeper into the hearts and souls of each other before we conclude with a mental model of someone. At times those instantaneous reactions are not always on the positive side.

I promise to give people a chance; where I'm not being judgmental at initial contact. I'm going to make an effort to get to know people that I meet. I'm going to work at that because I feel that's important to bringing us closer together as loving and caring human beings of this world.

Thanks to my friends for opening up your eyes and hearts and then accepting me into your lives. Thanks for accepting me for who I am, because I am who I am. I can only be who I am, and I make no apologizes because of who I am. I want you to think about that for yourselves as well.

Our strength will be to share our burdens with each other, and to assist each other in trying times, as well as good times. It is my wish that your hearts continue to be happy and that your life's journey bring the best to you and yours. You are truly deserving of the best, because all of you are the best.

I'm ready to go to work. To work at practicing love with my sleeves rolled up. To build bridges that will help others to cross to a world of love, compassion, sharing, caring, and honoring. I know you will continue that quest.

Thank you for the labor pains that you all went through to birth this movement in this world.

We can and will make a difference in our own special ways if we “do the right things for the right reasons”.

Take care my friends and perhaps I will see or hear from you soon.”

We received the following letter from a participant after a Next Step
to Being the Change workshop in Lafayette, California.

“If you really knew me you would know that I have been trying to get out of my box so I could put this email together.

If you really knew me you would know that this is way outside of my box and I am happy to be writing this right now.

If you really knew me you would know that since Next Step I have felt more alive and passionate then I have in years.

If you really knew me you would know that I have been addressing my demons since Next Step and I am consciously still fighting them. Through this struggle I have gained valuable information about myself that scares me and inspires me to become a better person.

If you really knew me you would know that I read the whole Next Step Next Step manual and it is the first non-magazine that I have read in years.

If you really knew me you would know that I have been working hard to be the change in my world by adding activities from Next Step to the soccer world. We have sat down partner-to-partner and expressed why we love our partner. We have done if you really knew me, we play hug tag, and lastly we have sat in small groups and told the group why we love ourselves as the group applauded and screamed loudly. One girl fought hard to get outside of her box and actually did the exercise which was very hard for her.

If you really knew me you'd know that her getting out of her box felt better than any win I have ever experienced.

If you really knew me you would know that after Next Step, I gave my brother the card I wrote for him during one of our activities and it has brought us closer together.

If you really knew me you would know that on the night Next Step ended I went to my girlfriends and told her my fears of abandonment and promised to not let that get in the way of me loving her.

If you really knew me you would know on that same night I came home and told my mother all about Next Step and then appreciated her for 2 straight minutes.

If you really knew me you would know that I am sending this email to my mom as well, this is the first time I have ever emailed her.”

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