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 When one is given a second chance at life, one must not squander the knowledge and wisdom gained from all the misgivings experienced in the initial attempt at life.

- Jim Mandelin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Mandelin, CPC

MY VISION STATEMENT:

I am a fully pardoned ex-convict, ex-gang member, ex drug addict and alcoholic. I have spent many years in recovery programs and counseling. I have done a phenomenal amount of introspection and self examination. I have asked for help from many wonderful and compassionate professionals and received a lot of help.

I have been given a second chance at life, to do it right and I know that I must not squander the knowledge and wisdom that I have gained from my initial attempt at life. I have had to go deep into my own Psyche and shine a bright light there; to reveal to myself what went wrong with my life. I have had to humbly open up to others, to reveal my vulnerabilities and in the process I have gained an incredible amount of healing and strength. To this I am truly grateful.

One of the most helpful experiences for me has been this desire to share my experiences and hopes with people as it allows them to feel free to share their experiences and for them to develop hope for themselves; then in turn I also learn from them. Another way to put it is; I basically share my story.  I have shared my experiences and hopes with people such as High School and Elementary School Students and Staff, University Students and Staff, Youth in Prison, Law Enforcement, Educators and Fellow Suffers and the general Community at large. Many have approached me to express how; what I had shared inspired them or made them think differently about people and their suffering and how they cope with or act out their hurts. They comment on how they suddenly feel an intense desire to change what they can and sometimes ask for advice. This response is why I share my story. 

What I most desire is to be someone that can model openness and compassion. I hope to achieve this by; sharing my story, my experience and hope and to do my personal best to add to the solution, rather than add to the problem. This is my Vision.