# Event Details - **Event Name**: “Have to" vs. "Choose to” -How to change the story we tell ourselves - **Event Start and End Date**: Sun, 19 Apr, 2026 at 01:00 pm – Sun, 19 Apr, 2026 at 03:00 pm (-04:00) - **Event Description**: Shift from a mindset of obligation to empowerment by recognizing the choices and values behind your thoughts and actionsAbout this EventCome to this event!Join us for an interactive workshop exploring the impact of obligation-based language ("Have to") and choice-based language ("Choose to") on our experiences and relationships. Using Nonviolent Communication (NVC) principles, we will practice shifting from “I have to” to “I choose to”, fostering greater autonomy, clarity, and authentic connection.Through guided exercises, discussions, and real-life scenarios, participants will:Recognize the underlying needs behind feelings of pressure or resentment.Practice using language that aligns with personal values and promotes empowerment.This event is perfect for anyone looking to enhance communication, reduce stress, and cultivate more intentional, fulfilling interactions in both personal and professional settings.Through interactive exercises, role-playing, and group discussions, you’ll gain tools to communicate with authenticity, deepen relationships, and find freedom in honoring both your needs and those of others.Who Would Benefit:This workshop is perfect for:Professionals looking to improve workplace communication and leadership skills.Couples, friends, or family members seeking deeper connection and understanding.Individuals exploring personal growth and emotional awareness.Community leaders and organizers aiming to foster empathy in group settings.No prior experience with NVC is necessary—just a willingness to explore and grow.Participants will walk away with tools to help with:*Developing a greater understanding of others*Increased empathy*Better vocabulary of feelings and needs*Ability to do self-reflection.Columbia, MDInstructor Mike JadooAbout Mike: Mike has taught Nonviolent Communication for 5 years and led practice groups in Bethesda and DC. He has taken many trainings offered by Capital NVC, NVC Day One, and NVC Academy. Mike is currently leading a NVC practice group in Frederick , MD at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick. https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/bf5a1ff0-251d-11f1-8500-4f0c3b0bf48e-rimg-w987-h740-dc101010-gmir.jpg - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/columbia/have-to-vs-choose-to-how-to-change-the-story-we-tell-ourselves/100001985537607433 - **Event Categories**: workshops - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Columbia - **state**: MD - **country**: United States - **location**: The Serenity Center - **lat**: 39.21395830000001 - **long**: -76.8460176 - **full address**: The Serenity Center, 9650 Basket Ring Rd, Columbia, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: “Have to" vs. "Choose to” -How to change the story we tell ourselves - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/83317855fc5aa141424645ad5f6b55b102d92d23dff808a5f88a36eac21e4943-rimg-w1000-h601-dc474747-gmir.jpg?v=1774094541 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is “Have to" vs. "Choose to” -How to change the story we tell ourselves being held? - **A:** “Have to" vs. "Choose to” -How to change the story we tell ourselves takes place on Sun, 19 Apr, 2026 at 01:00 pm to Sun, 19 Apr, 2026 at 03:00 pm at The Serenity Center, 9650 Basket Ring Rd, Columbia, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing “Have to" vs. "Choose to” -How to change the story we tell ourselves? - **A:** “Have to" vs. "Choose to” -How to change the story we tell ourselves is organized by Capital NVC. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** “Have to" vs. "Choose to” -How to change the story we tell ourselves is ideal for learners, working professionals, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Columbia, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If “Have to" vs. "Choose to” -How to change the story we tell ourselves sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast. ## Structured Data (JSON-LD) ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "“Have to" vs. "Choose to” -How to change the story we tell ourselves", "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/83317855fc5aa141424645ad5f6b55b102d92d23dff808a5f88a36eac21e4943-rimg-w1000-h601-dc474747-gmir.jpg?v=1774094541", "startDate": "2026-04-19T13:00:00-04:00", "endDate": "2026-04-19T15:00:00-04:00", "url": "https://allevents.in/columbia/have-to-vs-choose-to-how-to-change-the-story-we-tell-ourselves/100001985537607433", "eventStatus": "https://schema.org/EventScheduled", "location": { "@type": "Place", "name": "The Serenity Center", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "9650 Basket Ring Rd", "postalCode": "21045", "addressLocality": "Columbia", "addressRegion": "MD", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "39.21395830000001", "longitude": "-76.8460176" } }, "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode", "description": "Shift from a mindset of obligation to empowerment by recognizing the choices and values behind your thoughts and actions", "offers": [ { "@type": "AggregateOffer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "USD", "availabilityStarts": "2026-03-21", "availabilityEnds": "2026-04-19T15:00:00-04:00", "validFrom": "2026-03-21", "lowPrice": "0.00", "highPrice": "0.00", "price": "0.00", "url": "https://allevents.in/columbia/have-to-vs-choose-to-how-to-change-the-story-we-tell-ourselves/100001985537607433" }, { "@type": "Offer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "USD", "availabilityStarts": "2026-03-21", "availabilityEnds": "", "validFrom": "2026-03-21", "url": "https://allevents.in/columbia/have-to-vs-choose-to-how-to-change-the-story-we-tell-ourselves/100001985537607433", "price": 0, "name": "Suggested Donation- $20" } ], "organizer": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Capital NVC", "url": "https://allevents.in/org/capital-nvc/22754137", "description": "We are an organization committed to the growth of Nonviolent Communication in the Metro DC and Baltimore area and to creating peace and understanding in the world.Nonviolent Communication offers a set of tools designed to help foster understanding and compassion both within ourselves and with others. These tools can be used in everyday conversation, in conflict situations, and therapeutically.We invite you to explore this web-site to learn more about Nonviolent Communication and the work that is going on in this area. If you are new to Nonviolent Communication, we encourage you to explore the pagesAbout NVC. We invite all visitors to sign up for ourfree monthly newsletterand join us for anupcoming event." } ] } ] ```