A.D.G.O (Another Darn Growth Opportunity)
I was at a conference last week at VCU. Linda Hancock presented this idea of ADGOs - Another Darn Growth Opportunity. She indicated that these are the sometimes self-inflicted and sometimes life experiences that catch us off guard. For example, getting in a fight with your boss might be a self-inflicted ADGO. Your car breaking down would be another. We are human. Difficult things happen to us and we also sometimes act in way that make things hard. Skills and re-framing help. Life, is often one problem/obstacle/opportunity after another. So, she suggests that we look at these challenges - not as problems to be avoided - but as disguised growth opportunities. A.D.G.O.s can also give us the passion to help others though similar issues.
In this thread, please share an ADGO you are facing and how you redeemed it!
I went to town on a public transport. It was 7pm when i had finished buying the essential things i needed for assignment. i was disappointed when there's no transport. the transport that i went on earlier was not there, it was supposed to wait for passengers who wanted to go back to my campus. so, i decided to walk back to campus. i don't know exactly how far is the town but it takes about 10-15 minutes to go to town by a public transport. I walked and had the opportunity to observe the people who spend their weekday near the beach. Kids playing kites and men fishing with their friends. It was gettinv really dark and I've walked for 30 minutes and i was halfway there to reach my campus. At that moment, i wished i had asked for my friend's help preferably someone who have the means of transport. but then again, i thought, i don't want to burden my friends. so, i turned to god instead. i prayed that a Samaritan would help me. Help came almost instantly. A car stopped. I saw a couple with their son. They gave me a lift. Somehow they were also heading towards my campus. I don't know whether the couple are the staff but they got through without having to get vistors pass from security. Since that incident, i learn that help will always be given at anyone, to those who ask for it. Independence is okay but there are times when you need someone to help you. Don't think that you can handle things that are beyond you, you live in a community, ask for help.
@straightforwardSpring3116 great story and lesson!
@straightforwardSpring3116 it's true, we all need a little help sometimes, and it's these seemingly tiny interactions that make the most impacts in our lives.
@straightforwardSpring3116 wow thats awesome that help came instantly and yay turning to God 1st is even greater :) and definetly a great lesson learned thanks for sharing
Made it through a difficult chat on here <3
@dancingStrawberry34
Hey Strawberry! I just want to say it's always lovely to see you around in the listener chat rooms and just thank you for being there for other people including your loved ones! That's all! Have a lovely day!!
x Grace
@LovingGrace imher to talk as well i liked what u said i only came on here i have a lot of problems i need help it hurts its stress
@dancingStrawberry34 - very good point - difficult chats can definitely help you learn/grow.
Supporting my bf through his depression <3.
@dancingStrawberry34 - thanks for sharing! Any particular lesson or growth you are experiencing through this?
i finally got the courage to have a conversation with both my parents about suspecting adhd. it was long and difficult, but i think i'm finally on my way to getting help in the near future.
@lavenderscully
Way to go! I know how difficult it can be, thank you for sharing with us :)
@lavenderscully - way to work through the anxiety and move forward!
@lavenderscully thats great it isnt easy either so yayy :)
From the start of this year, I've had to make a 4 hour journey to and from my university in the country and I was really bummed about the travel time. But as my course has progressed and I've met some pretty dedicated individuals in my course it has slowly became worth it. I've definitely started to see this as not a burden but a darn good growth opportunity! 
@LovingGrace - (love your username btw) - great lesson :). I love when things end up being quite a bit different than we initially imagined.
@GlenM
I've had a few dramas the past few months and have isolated myself and cut my ties from old friends. It was a bit difficult, but I've now used the opportunity to find new friends and use my new time to exercise daily. I've grown as a stronger, more independent person and have made new connections with a unique and diverse group of people.
@MidniteAngel - great work! I think that is one of the hardest lessons to learn. Distancing from painful relationships is really tough. Great work and very happy to hear you are already on the other side of it :)
I am living in a very expensive country at the moment and have no other choice but to share a room with other people.
The thought of having to do this filled me with anxiety because i struggle with ptsd, night terrors, insomnia etc.
But its been nearly 3 months now and although things were tough at the start, i realky am so proud of myself for what i have overcome and being able to trainy body and mind to be able to dleep with other people in the room and for making such good friends.
@indigochildwithcherries I'm proud of you too! That does not sound easy at all. Way to persevere, adapt, and make it work for you :)
17 days ago I adopted a new kitten from the animal rescue. What I did not anticipate is that he would be ill for the first week and that I am still exhausted. I am trying really hard to find a balance between taking care of my kitten and taking care of myself. I need time just for me, away from him. I'm figuring it out.
@Chiaroscuro1 sounds like you are bein stretched; I hope the kitten feels better soon :)
@GlenM - Stretched, yes, that's a good word for it. We will be okay. Thank you.
I finally got the courage to talk to my parentswhen I was feeling low and in a bad place. I have been hiding it from them, mostly, because I didn't want them to be worried or know that something was wrong. I'm really glad I did though because now they want to help me get better.
@Quinzel241 - way to take the risk! Very glad to hear that they have your back :)
I was head OVER HEELS(in love, and we are not even dating or in a relationship, just friends) for this guy named Dave I told him however he only saw me as a friend or sister type friend awkward! However I toke this A.D.G.O and decided to work on myself and realising I don't need him to like me back or approve of me in any way, I can love myself and learn to VALUE who I am despite Dave's rejection of me. I went to gym(lost weight), spoke to other single guys, read books and I just realised that despite the pain of unrequited love, the pain of me continuing to chase someone who had INFACT rejected me was BIZARRE! I realised the problem wasn't with Dave it was with me! Boy, did that open my eyes to all the loser ex bfs I had in the past! Why would I ever continue to love or like someone if they dont like me back or show interest in me as a person at least. So in saying that A.D.G.O BIG TIME! Not only that I think Dave has actually started liking me back now LOL! Thanks Glen:)
@peacefulSoul8 this was so SO good to read! It's really frustrating to watch a friend go through this... you did the thing all your other friends were rooting for. You are really strong! What you did takes strength if character. 💪❤
@peacefulSoul8 - great job! This is another super hard lesson to learn. I find that i have to continually re-learn it. Congrats on this cognitive transition. Nice work!