I went into my first dialogue telling myself that I was a participant and I was going to actually learn something new and meet new people (something I love to do). This became more than a reality. In fact, it became an event that would change my life.

Considering my counseling training and all the people I had a chance to meet prior to my attending this Dialogue, I should not have been surprised.

Each and everyone I met, all 35, helped me to understand that I wasn’t alone in my struggles, my fears and my hopes, hopes for my family, my job, my future and my nation.

I heard stories of different people struggling in different areas and times, but managing to cope and come out of it with the help of family and friends and sometimes even strangers.

The Dialogue was scheduled for three days and by midday on the first day I already knew that there were some very special people in this place.

I was able to sit in a circle among peers and tell my story without being judged or ridiculed but to see others laugh and cry with me. It was a very personal journey for many of us and for some it was time for closure.

The dialogue helped me gain a new perspective on life. It made me realize that in every type of relationship, there needs to be some form of dialogue. Without such, communication would be difficult and getting things done and working together would be near impossible.

In fact it helped me in many areas of life, but most importantly, it helped me grow in my relationships with my family and friends.

I believe dialogue is an essential tool for each of us. That does not mean to say that we will not encounter conflict, what it says is it allows us to be better communicators during one.

It’s amazing how I walked into the dialogue event seeing all these strangers and walked out with new friends.