Success Stories
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| Ending the Revolving Door of Crime and Creating
Productive Lives Success Stories |
This page was updated
03/06/2010
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One of the things the Criminon Program does is helps create a calmer prison environment. This is what one of our students had to say on the last question of The Way to Happiness Course: “I notice through this exercise of giving away The Way to Happiness booklets to three friends, and practicing what I learned on the course as I went through, that all four of us didn’t seem so tough. Not soft, but more understanding. There were several situations in the past five months while doing these exercises that all four of us could have easily got into fights but we did not. Thanks for everything.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Well, I think the whole aspect of my last 9 months here and 6 months doing this course has changed me and gave me so many tools to look into my problems. Myself and a couple of my friends have noticed big improvement. It has opened my eyes to the things I hold very dear to me that I have left behind because of drugs and crime. I am looking forward to the next course, please. Thank you for everything.” D.K. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “What the course did for me is it got my mind working again and it opened my eyes to the basic values that I believe everybody should live by. One very big way and yet so simple is to treat others the way you would like to be treated. It has made me feel good about myself by putting the precepts* and virtues** into daily practice. It is a good base format to live by. It has helped me to think positive. I also like the fact that my course supervisor, Judy, has been communicating with me on a personal level. It is nice to talk to a complete stranger who is trying to help. Thanks.” M.S. * precepts are rules or tips on how to behave covered in this course like Take Care of Yourself or Love and Help Children ** virtues are qualities we consider admirable like self-control, respect, politeness, etc. (there are 21 virtues in this course) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How to Deal with Ups and Downs in Life Course “Even though I had to work on this course in four different institutions, I was able to incorporate the lessons to find easy ways to live with those frustrations. I would think that a good indicator of course effectiveness.” C.G.W. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learning Skills for Life Course “Learning Skills for Life has taught me that learning never stops. There is always different ways to advance on how you learn and apply new techniques to your life. It helps you comprehend things you may not have before simply because you hadn’t learned the skills taught in this course!” C.G. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Way to Happiness Course “The Way to Happiness Course has opened my eyes to new aspects of life where I knew what they were but was unable to apply them to everyday situations. My heart has been opened up, my understanding of myself and how I think and act has become more vivid, and I am able to look in the mirror and accept what I see. I am truly grateful for this course. It has saved me from myself and enabled me to live a happier, healthier and fuller life.” J.S. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I actually learned the proper way to use a dictionary. The method of clearing up misunderstood words alone has enhanced my learning skills, not to mention my education.
I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to take this course. Thank you Criminon Edmonton."
D.R.
On
Successful
Parenting
Skills
Course----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Having
small
children
and
never
being
part
of
their
lives
not
only
causes
heartache
for
me
but
fear
as
well.
This
program
has
allowed
me
to
realize
how
important
it
is
to
treat
children
in a
proper
fashion.
It
has
given
me
confidence
and
my
fears
of a
crying
daughter
coming
to
me
and
me
not
knowing
what
to
do
have
subsided.
Thanks."
J.Z.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On
The
Way
to
Happiness
Course
"This
course
helped
me
strengthen
my
skills
and
to
recognize
and
value
my
virtues.
Thank
you
very
much
for
your
help."
J.M.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On Successful Parenting Skills Course
"As a single male parent, the information given throughout this course has awakened the importance of upbringing of a child, showing what is taught in early life can either benefit the child or consequently hinder them as they grow older.
It is important to let your child feel important, giving them enough freedom for them to trust their own abilities to act responsible in any case.
Not to overshadow or overprotect will help your child live a healthier life."
E.B. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"This course
has helped
me through
tough
times.
Sometimes,
when things
felt very
depressing
or
upsetting, I
could go
back and
read the
lessons or
do the next
lesson.
A lot of
times it
helped
remind me
that I am
above most
of the
people in
here. I am
a good
person that
lost my way,
but I am
using my
time to grow
instead of
learning how
to steal
cars or sell
drugs
better.
Because of
this
program, I
feel human,
I have hope,
and I know I
can succeed
given the
chance.
Thanks to
you,
Michelle and
Ben."
A.F.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On
Successful
Parenting
Skills
Course
"When I get
out, I'm
going to put
what I've
learned
through this
course into
action."
R.B.
On
Learning Skills
for Life
Course---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “A very enlightening course, actually. Although I applied this type of studying before, I don’t think I ever actually identified the reasons and points to it.
I would add this course has also helped me look more closely at past and present life factors. I have a stronger conviction to understand. This course can help self image when one realizes an inability becomes a task of finding the right terms and path to become possible.
No longer does one need to feel stupid or inferior. This teaches one how to find the right learning curve. With commitment to learn, there is no inability.”
J.W. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The biggest thing
for me in taking
these courses is the
fact that I have
actually committed
to something and I
am seeing it
through. It gives
me a sense of
accomplishment and
pride.
Also, I have been
able to use some of
the skills to
communicate better
with people and even
solve conflicts
between other
inmates. Most of
the time, it is one
of the barriers from
the course that
causes conflict.
I have seen several
positive results in
myself and my
understanding of my
environment has
improved greatly!
Thank you so much!"
D.K.P.
"I would say that I
found the Virtues
[qualities we like to
see in others like
appreciation,
self-control,
friendliness,
etc.] exercise the most
enlightening.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I challenged myself
to focus on doing one
virtue for the day, it
made me realize how much
I can improve in this
area. I consider myself
as a polite and
considerate individual
but there is always room
for improvement.
Also, I would like to
add that my course
supervisor's letters
showed a lot of effort
on his part. Including
some personal
information makes the
letter less formal and
was a welcome addition."
R.P.
"Doing this course made me
really take a look of what I
have inside. It helped me
think about reality. I
benefitted greatly from it.
It gave me the tools I need
to start over.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a new outlook on life
since finishing this
course. Life is a precious
and beautiful thing. I'm
not going to waste it by
coming back to jail.
It gave me skills
ranging from reading and
writing, all of the way
to living healthy and
happy.
It boosted my
self-confidence and my
self-esteem. I now look
inside and really love the
inventory that's inside of
me."
H.L.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Understanding and Overcoming Addiction Course
"I was looking forward to doing
this course and getting a new
perspective on how to deal with
addiction. It did not
disappoint.
This course opened my eyes and
helped me understand things I
never really thought about
before. It helped me understand
what I was going through which
opened my eyes on how to prevent
it from occurring regularly. I
got a lot out of the material.
I feel even more equipped than I
did before on how to stay clean
and maybe help others as well.
I've been able to stay clean for
four years now and, with the
help of this course, another
four should be a cake walk.
Thank you, Michelle."
A.M.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I really believe I will have success through this course.
The Understanding and Overcoming Addiction Course has really cleared things up for me.
The clarity of this course is well presented and I am very excited to share this course with my friends.”
R.B. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I learned 21 virtues [qualities we admire in people] from this course. I learned humanity because humanity is the best and first thing to survive in the world.
I learned how we have to take care and respect ourselves and others. I learned don’t harm anybody, no lie, always speak truth, help others, set good example, do not murder, don’t steal, don’t do anything illegal, be worthy of trust, honor and respect our parents, love and help children, be temperate [not going to extremes], don’t be promiscuous, etc. These good virtues will help me in my future life to survive safely in the world.
I am trying to apply on myself. I start to think positive. These things change my life.
I also learned patience. I also started helping others to show what I learned from The Way to Happiness® Course.”
B.G. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How to Deal with Ups and Downs In Life
“Amazing! This course brought out some insights into human nature that opened my eyes. Now I am aware of the personality attributes to watch for in order to identify the kind of people I really do not want to associate with.
I can see a more successful future for myself because the personalities that are not right for me, and the ones that can cause me emotional harm, can now be dealt with or I can simply disconnect from those people. I can now also help others who show the signs of being suppressed by one of these types of people.
Yes, indeed, I do see more success for myself in the future.”
W.M. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Having completed the courses I have [currently on third Criminon course] has helped me to regain a great deal of my sense of personal worth and given me a sharper sense, an understanding, of some of what led me to my current circumstances.
Thank you so very much for your support and your time.”
C.G.W. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “The Way to Happiness Course has opened my eyes towards a greater future outside from these walls.”
J.M.L. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “For the last six months I have read and enjoyed the Criminon Program.
At first the thoughts in my head were leading me down an unknown road that seemed to be unforgiving to me. The Criminon Rehabilitation Program has given me a clear mind with enhancement and understanding of myself. But, even more, learning why people do extraordinary acts and have undesired feelings that some people may possess.
Criminon Rehabilitation Program has certainly given me a peace of mind, which also has shown the edge of the road that one should use to guide themselves in the positive direction. I truly can say there is success in my life now. I know I can flourish and prosper with others who want the same out of their lives.
Using The Way to Happiness program is the road to follow.”
T. H. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Understanding & Overcoming Addiction Course
“I have to say I really enjoyed doing this program. I had heard about the Drug Bomb [combination of vitamins to ease drug withdrawal] and Cal-Mag Formula [calcium-magnesium drink] before. I honestly believe that with these two formulas along with the Objective Exercises [which put the person’s attention on their current environment] and the detoxification program, a person does have a very good chance at beating this terrible habit.
As for myself, I have been clean now for 15 plus years, and I am happier now than when I used to use. I would have liked to know about this program years ago.
I honestly believe this program is better than the one they have inside the Institution. I learned more with this one than I did with the one these people gave me.
I used every excuse to use but it only took one reason to quit: it was killing me from the inside out. It took only a few years to destroy my life and affect others. It will take me the rest of my life to repair all that damage, not only to me but to the ones I love and hurt. This program gave me more tools to accomplish this.”
L.C.D. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Learning Skills for Life Course
“I believe the one section that will impact my life the most is the misunderstood word.
I’m glad and more aware because of the other sections but I believe I used most of these skills already. The misunderstood word, however, was great to discover.
I now have a dictionary in my cell and I have used it even in the middle of a conversation once.”
J.Z. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't do well in school, so I dropped out. I
didn't know how to learn, but now I fee
confident to learn about new things."
J.R.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On The Way to Happiness Course
"In the past, I always had a hard time setting
goals for myself and following through on them.
With this course, not only did it re-educate me
on common sense ways to contribute to a lasting
happiness, but also it gave me a chance to
practice my goal setting and self-monitoring
skill sets.
The sense of accomplishment I feel after
completing this course gives me the confidence I
needed to achieve other milestones in my
recovery and my life. I eagerly look forward to
the next one!
Thank you so much."
D.P.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On How to Deal with the Ups and Downs in Life Course
"I've really enjoyed learning about the antisocial
personality and social personality. Definitely
proven beneficial knowing the 12 attributes to
uncover those in your life.
Also learning on how to handle or disconnect will be
vital in anyone's life for the process of all
relationships.
Thank you so much."
E.B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learning Skills for Life Course (second course, which teaches how to study and learn)
"I have to say I enjoyed doing this course as well. I
could relate to the issues and the barriers a person
faces while doing a course on their studies. After I
got into this course, it made me think about the
problems I had back when I was going to school.
Even while I was doing this course, I found myself going
back over some of the material to make sure I understood
what I was reading. Then, when I was going over some of
my reports from my prison case management team, I found
myself going over areas where I did not quite
understand. I started backtracking, clearing words I
wasn't sure about.
I have to say I will always use these skills. I want to
thank you for this. Thank you for helping me
understand."
L.D.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Success on Ups and Downs in Life Course
"Success is doing an ordinary thing extraordinarily
well!
Something we do as a matter of rote daily is try to
detect the personality of the people we must deal with,
and often we sense some social suffering or antisocial
behaviour. It can feel like Damocles' sword hanging by
a hair over our head.*
This course helps examine the root of the antisocial and
points us in a direction to correct the suffering."
M.B.
* refers to a story of a sword hanging over the head of
a man by a single hair, ready to drop on him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Success on Learning Skills for Life Course
"Although this course was short, I have found it most
beneficial.
In just a couple of weeks after completing the course, I
found myself using the skills learned. Not only did I
increase my learning and study abilities of other
topics, but I also increased and improved my own
vocabulary. I learned to use a new word properly and I
discovered that I was using another word incorrectly.
These are skills that I will absolutely use for the rest
of my life."
W.M.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On The Way to Happiness Course
"I found the course helped make things clear about myself
and others. I learned to understand from my mistakes, how
to fix it and move on with my life. To look at everything
around, what does it mean to me and explain. The questions
touched me inside.
When I would get a correct answer and my supervisor,
Michelle, gave me 100%, it made me very happy. She would
write me a note and say something good about me doing this
course and that she would help me finish it together. It
made me proud of myself.
The Criminon course looked easy, but if I looked deeper, it
made me think about me or inside me or my family out there
who wait for me to come home to share love, someone to talk
to and understand their feelings, and who they can trust.
It made me think about my life and future, long term plan.
I liked the way I needed to think about and answer the
questions. My supervisor was very helpful for me to get it
and see myself and my window getting bigger. I liked the
way I would get feedback and tell me what was good and what
was wrong.
Thanks, Michelle, for your time reading and answering
questions. Thank you for Criminon groups. I can't wait for
a new course."
K.L.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I was a little skeptical at first and am now glad I got over it. Overall, I am impressed and an impression has been made.
I did not take The Way to Happiness®
Course because I thought I needed it. However, now that I have
taken it, I would like to take every course that Criminon has to
offer.
After having to exercise some of the Virtues, the course has
changed the way I look at certain situations.
I find it hard to believe that Criminon is not more available
everywhere worldwide. My course supervisor and the staff at
Criminon Edmonton have supported me above and beyond my highest
expectations. Thank you.
Let's start the next course. ☺"
D.R.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On The Learning Skills for Life Course
"In taking this course, I've found studying a lot more easier.
I've found out what I was doing wrong and doing this course made
things more clearer and now understanding my studies do not give me
any more problems.
I can go ahead full throttle and complete any studies or tests that
come my way."
R.B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On Learning Skills for Life Course
"Even though I would not have said I was a person with difficulty in
studying or learning, I was very impressed by the simplicity of the
methods taught in this course, yet the broad applicability of those
methods.
In my opinion, this is a very valuable course for anyone,
regardless of their interests."
C.G.W.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I learned I wasn't as perfect as I thought I was during the course. The actual employment of virtues in some cases required more positive effort than I estimated initially, so I extended the effort and felt better for it.
I was able to address a couple of current life situations I'd been avoiding
dealing with, lacking positive motive supplied by the endeavour.
I learned I ought to be driving myself harder down the path.
Thank you."
W.G.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Understanding and Overcoming Addiction Course
"These lessons hit home and shocked me by
understanding certain ways a body reacts to
addiction. I was very pleased by the examples
of supplements used along with particular
exercising.
As a recovering addict, I definitely will use this
knowledge to its fullest capacity.
This course definitely means what it says:
Understand and Overcome."
E.B.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The most important thing I've learned is that a
happy life is pretty simple and that a good deed,
even if it seems small, adds up.
I would always over-think things in the past. But
this course has made me see that people are pretty
easy to get along with if you have the proper
attitude. And with that proper attitude everything
falls into place.
Hopefully, I will attract more pro-social peers with
these skills. Thank you!"
Q.T.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The Way to Happiness Course has been
helpful to myself in many ways. It has taught me to
be open to change and share my thoughts and feelings
in a constructive way instead of always trying to
get my own way with others around me.
It has also taught me to listen really listen
to what others have to say instead of butting in to
get my opinion in with no consideration for what
they may say.
Also, the course has taught me to have more respect
for myself as well as others around me and not to be
so judgmental when I meet someone who doesn't take
care of himself but, rather, to reach out and see if
I can help them in any way that I can.
I owe a great big thanks to my course supervisor,
Pierre, for his support helping me to get through
this course when I wanted to give up on a couple of
occasions. I started to lose my confidence that I
could finish the course, but through Pierre's
prompting myself in his letters to me, as you can
see I completed this course and am already looking
forward to the next one.
I really appreciate having someone believe in me
because that don't happen in here too often if you
know what I mean."
R.D.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some time ago, I looked at the mess that was my
life. How fragmented and poisoned it was. The hurt
I felt, the hurt I caused, weighed heavy on my dark
and clouded soul.
I began a journey then out of my darkness, and I
traveled a long and difficult road at times. During
one of my most recent stumbles on that path, I found
Criminon. It has helped me re-center myself,
re-structure and re-commit. In a sense, it gave me
a second wind to be the man I can be.
I thank the instructors and the course itself for
assisting me to help myself to the better and
positive life and lifestyle the program talks about
and helps build.
Thanks for the company and push on my journey."
J.W.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"This course has really opened my eyes to a lot of
new ways of thinking.
I'm no longer angry or feeling like the world is out
to get me.
Thank you."
W.A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “By doing this course, it helped me realize and understand myself better. I know I am capable of making a difference not only in someone else’s life but also in the world around me. For myself, I want to do whatever I can to become a better, positive person. I enjoy doing programs that show me or that teach me to be positive. Even if it is in the simplest way.
This program has allowed me to confirm everything else I have learned in other programs over the year. No one ever stops learning new skills or practicing old skills or virtues. I think everyone has the responsibility to better themselves and to help others accomplish the same thing.
This program has made me remember my morals and beliefs I was raised with. Not to judge or look down on others. Everyone deserves respect, and everyone has the ability to change and they should be given a chance.
Thank you for this program.”
L.D. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "For most of my life, I overlooked the virtues [those qualities we consider admirable in people like honesty, loyalty, self-control, etc.] that were studied in this course.
But I've found out that all these little nice things we do
for each other starts a domino effect of kindness and that's
just what this world needs.
One person can make a difference!"
C.P.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I believe this course impacted me in numerous ways. It showed just how far I have fallen from the values I had.
It also showed me that, with work, values can be changed or
brought back into one's life. Even ones that have been
repressed for so long.
I'm not saying that this has been life changing, but it has
definitely opened my eyes and planted the seed I needed to
change my thinking and eventually my life.
Thank you."
J.Z.
"My gain of understanding of everyday living has improved to the
point of me feeling like a changed man. I have had people tell me I
am shining.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have always had these abilities [that are taught in the course],
but I didn't practice them as often as I have been since I started
this course.
I find I focus on caring more about others' feelings. I find I
focus on words I don't understand and I run to get a dictionary
'cause I want to know what I could miss if I skipped the word.
I am really enjoying writing letters to ones I love because I am
being considerate with my words so as to not disrespect or harm
their feelings.
Overall, this course, I would recommend to anyone who doesn't have
complete understanding of how to respond in life. Like myself
before this course."
M.J.
"The lessons in this course helped me feel good about myself.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Being able to humble myself and put this tough guy image behind me has
made me more approachable.
Many inmates see a change in me. I now have a positive outlook. These
lessons really put clarity into my life.
In short, this course really helped me to be the positive, caring,
understanding and humble man I've always wanted to be.
Thank you, Criminon. I'm looking forward to the next course."
R.B.
"I increased my learning skills big time, and this also gave me hope for the
future. For real, this course gives me a sense of hope.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And it brings me a sense of accomplishment.
So, once again, thank you for everything."
S.H.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The Learning Skills for Life Course was surprisingly beneficial to me. I must say that I am grateful for my supervisor's encouragement to do this course.
It has been humbling for me to
learn valuable tools in a
place I didn't think possible.
Just because I have my high
school diploma and I've been to
college, I thought I didn't need
this course.
Well, it was a welcoming 'slap
to the face' once I got to work
on the lessons.
This course has truly awakened
my ability to understand what I
read, think, and do. I now
apply the tools of this course
in everything I do, and that's
no lie.
Thank you."
A.M.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I particularly enjoyed The Learning Skills for Life Course because it helped me realize that when you have trouble understanding something, you just need to go to the last place where there was understanding to find out where you went wrong!
I have used this several times
already in my program here to help
others!
Thank you!"
M.B.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I really appreciated all the lessons involved in the Learning Skills for Life Course.
The misunderstood word stands out as very important and made perfect sense. Reminded me of how to look up words and meanings in a dictionary resulting in really understanding each word you come across.
Also, becoming aware of the many types of symptoms involved as you come across certain barriers to studying, opened my eyes towards others who may have similar problems. Even the different methods are simple when used properly to figure out how something works.
Thank you." E.B. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I've learned through this course that I have qualities which, if used, can make my life run smoother on a positive plane.
I have to be loyal to myself and believe in
myself and respect myself so I can do to
others as I would have them do to me.
Through this program, I can find happiness
within myself."
C.G.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The Way to Happiness course has given me more self-respect and personal pride. I have also seen things clearer every day when I read the little book The Way to Happiness.
It teaches me how to treat others, different virtues I can work on every day, and it has helped me to have a stronger respect for the people around me that I may not like. I have now also built stronger family relationships with my mom, uncle and brothers and sisters.
I have enjoyed this course so much that whenever I get a chance to improve my skills, I turn to The Way to Happiness course booklet.
I also like to show others what I’ve learned through this course and how it might improve their lives like it changed mine. I tell them to take the yellow card and sign up for the course so that it can give you a happier life."
S.O.
* The Virtues are qualities we consider admirable in people like loyalty, self-control, tolerance, appreciation, etc. There are 21 Virtues in The Way to Happiness that the student must practice on other people in order to complete the course. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Under the title in The Way to Happiness® course booklet, it states ‘a common sense guide to better living.’ As I look around at my situation (prison), I think surely common sense is not so common! But it is and we all have it.
“I, in the past, unfortunately, regardless of circumstance, have failed to listen to it. The Criminon course reminded me of that by re-introducing the basic (common) moral codes we must live by. The 21 points covered in this course, I believe, are retained in us all to some degree. The simple fact that they must be uprooted and worked on within me will improve my chances of survival and, in turn, my relations with others.
“Evidence of my new found faith exists in the fact that the people who offer this course volunteer their time and effort to help some of us in our struggle to try again. Thank you!”
D.W. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "A big step for me was actually taking the time to look at and put the Virtues exercises to use in my days. For a long time, I've been blind to a lot of things and this has helped me open my eyes.
I still got a lot to work on and also learn but it will
be easier to do by putting to use what I've learned from
The Way to Happiness Course.
The support I got from the instructor helped me make it
through. He didn't look at me with judgment or as only
half a person. He talked to me as a human and that
don't happen too often here in prison by the people who
run the programs.
This program has given me some very good tools to use in
my life that I never really thought about before. I'm
going to read the handbook from this course to my
children, section by section, every weekend when I get
out so it stays fresh in my mind and so they can absorb
it as well."
L.G.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If the course The Way to Happiness had any affect on me, then it was to increase my awareness of the Virtues.*
It was an amazing experience to work on the Virtues. They
are such common sense, yet so many of us live our daily
lives without remembering the true value of the Virtues. If
you (or I in this case) were to follow the Virtues daily,
one's life would suddenly take a turn for the better.
I believe the course rekindled in me the need to remind
myself daily that I can meet my needs but it should not be
at the expense of the other person's right to be treat
fairly and decently."
M.B.
* The Virtues are qualities we consider admirable in people
like loyalty, self-control, tolerance, appreciation, etc.
There are 21 Virtues in The Way to Happiness that
the student must practice on other people in order to
complete the course.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Way to Happiness course is built around a small booklet of non-religious common sense moral values.
"I enjoyed doing this program. I gained new skills and gained a
lot of self respect.
I liked doing the virtues* and applying them every day. I
already had some of these virtues but gained new ones. I found
that if you treat people with kindness and respect, they treat
you with the same kindness and respect.
I feel so much better about my life, and now I can be a better
partner and a better father to my kids. I will tell them to
read this book and how it has changed my life and how we should
all live by this book so we can be a happy family.
My wife sees a difference in my attitude. She likes it. I am
happy. Thank you for giving me happiness and giving me a chance
to do this program.
Your friend, C.B."
* The Virtues are qualities we consider admirable in people like
loyalty, self-control, tolerance, appreciation, etc. There are
21 Virtues in The Way to Happiness that the student
must practice on other people in order to complete the course.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "This course has helped me so much. I am a way better person as a whole. In every aspect of my life, I feel better, I act better. I see things in a happier way. I am a better person.
I didn't want my life to be just as it was and the way it was
going. I headed down the wrong road in life, and I was traveling
down it for a long time. But thanks to The Way to Happiness
Course, I jumped track right onto the road I was always meant to be
on.
Because of this course, I've learned everybody deserves to be on
that road, the road to happiness. It's a wonderful road and I'm
glad I found it.
Thank you Criminon and thank you Michelle for helping me through
it. If it wasn't for your letters, I would have given up a long
time ago. Thank you. :-)"
M.R.
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“There are two great disappointments in life: not getting what you want and getting it. Happiness is not found anywhere but within ourselves.
Although it may seem that one person can’t make a difference, it is entirely the opposite. Just by setting a good example, we can inspire many others.
I must be healthy and industrious in my pursuit in making this world a better place. I have to realize that I can make a difference and this course has shown me that I can indeed impact the world around me. My actions after taking this course proves that this is true. I feel that I am contributing to a positive environment and it is truly making me happy.
This course has opened my mind and my heart enabling me to evolve and rise from the ashes of the past. It has given me direction and insight and, through taking action, I have gained a new understanding about myself and the world around me.
I am encouraged that I am evolving and getting such a positive message to so many within these thick walls.”
A.M. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I was able to find my way past a great deal of pain and fear. I found some peace and hope thanks to this course." C.G.W. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I find that since completing the course I am able to stop and think about what I am about to do or about to say. This course has given me a better understanding and knowledge on how I ought to treat others.
The Virtues are extremely applicable and
practical. I am able to guide myself throughout the day by
continually remembering 'How do I want to be treated?' By
constantly referring to that, I can now treat others accordingly, as
I would want to be treated.
I highly recommend this course to anyone who
struggles with day to day difficulties in social interaction with
other people. It is well taught, each lesson building on the past.
I feel more confident today knowing I can be a
better person."
F.H.
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"I enjoyed taking this course because it was basics on common sense which I believe is a much needed tool in the world today. I've learned a lot about myself and how to survive in today's world. There's no such thing as too much knowledge. All I can say is that if you want to live a productive lifestyle, this is the course for you. Don't be afraid to open your mind and learn as much as you can from this course. It will increase your overall chance for survival. It did for me. I would like this chance to thank Criminon and all their staff for their hard work and dedication." D.P.
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"I retired after a successful career and was about to open a business when I caught my wife being unfaithful. I lost my temper and put her into the hospital. Now I am serving time in prison instead of enjoying my retirement in the United States. My participation in Criminon's The Way to Happiness® Course has indeed put me back on the road to self-respect, personal pride and happiness. Only I can make me happy and the precepts* are guides to prevent me from running off the road and wrecking my life and others again. I have learned that it is never too late to map a new road and have a new beginning. Also, helping others to follow the precepts of this course can improve my chances to discover real happiness. I also enjoyed working on the virtues** exercise and at times I felt I may not complete them, but my obligation to finish what I start was always pushing me on. Thank you." R.H. * A precept is a rule that gives you advice on how to behave. ** virtues are qualities that are considered to be the best possible qualities in good human conduct. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I would first like to say how glad I am to have taken this course. I have gained a wealth of knowledge which I can use throughout my life to live a more productive, happy and positive existence. By taking this course, I have learned to take time out in certain situations and analyze before I react. I have learned to be more aware of others' feelings and thoughts and have more respect for others' opinions. I feel the things I have learned here have helped to make me a better person and I'm VERY glad I decided to complete this course. Success feels great! Thank you." J.N. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The success that I got from this course is my self-esteem and self-respect back. I have a better outlook on life. A lot of the stuff I got from this course are things I had lost or forgotten in my life. Thank You." J.R. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “The Learning Skills for Life Course has
given me a new approach to studying and the ability to never give up while
studying. Because of this course, the Concise
Oxford Dictionary has become a constant companion while I am
studying. I enjoyed every minute of you being my
course supervisor, Michelle, with your encouragement and wonderful
letters. Thank you for being so
helpful.” R.H. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Doing The Way to Happiness Course brought light back to my eyes and to my heart. It helped me see how I should be living my life and the way I should be treating others. The course brought reality back to me. It gave me a chance to see on paper how wrong I went in life and showed me basic skills to get back up and to survive." S.H. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I had forgotten about morals and virtues since my addiction to drugs. By completing The Way to Happiness course, my life has changed so much for the better. I can realize what I was ignoring that keeps me sincere and capable of living life on its terms. Practicing all the lessons from 1 - 21 revived my senses and has shown me that I can be a productive member of society. Thank you so much." E.B. |
If you
know someone in prison, or know someone who needs help so
phone: 780-455-0655 |
| CRIMINON is a trademark and service mark owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and is used with permission. THE WAY TO HAPPINESS and the "Road and Sun" design are trademarks owned by L. Ron Hubbard Library in the U.S.A. and in other countries and are used with permission. Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard Library for permission to reproduce selections from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.© 2009 Criminon Edmonton. All Rights Reserved. |