(Minghui.org) I began practicing Falun Dafa in 1997. Prior to that, I was an irritable and often unpleasant person. I did not take my school work seriously and was known to start fights. No one dared take advantage of my younger sister, because everyone knew that she had a mean sister. I was strong, kept my hair short, and spoke in a loud tone. I was skilled in soccer and played on a team representing my hometown in provincial games. You had to look twice to see if I was a boy or girl.

My gruff demeanor and behavior continued after I got married. My husband and I fought a lot. Sometimes I used knives to scare him. So he would hide them if he knew a conflict was brewing. No one at work dared to bother me. When I witnessed co-workers being bullied, I defended them and immediately retaliated. No one at work wanted to be on a team with me. They regarded me as someone who was undisciplined and easily irritated. Most people kept their distance.

In 1996, my mom brought home a book called Zhuan Falun, written by Mr. Li Hongzhi. I quickly read through it, but when I tried to reread it, I developed a severe headache and gave up.

A coworker later became sick in 1997. I went to visit her and told her about Falun Dafa and how it is known to help heal illnesses. Together we watched Master’s teaching videos and then went to the park to learn the exercises with a group of practitioners.

I fell off my bike a few days before going to the park to learn the exercises. My pants were torn, and my hands scratched. But I remained firm and told myself that the fall could not stop me: I must go learn the exercises! Such determination led me onto the path of cultivation.

I had always known that Falun Dafa is great. Gradually, my temperament improved. I began to take my work seriously. When I ran into a friend who provoked me, and I remained unmoved, she remarked that Falun Dafa had truly changed me.

My changes were not easy at first. I made an effort not to argue or fight, but my heart felt uneasy. Later, I stopped feeling wronged and angry deep down. I was able to let go of the conflicts. If there was work that no one else wanted to do, I would do it without complaint. Over time, I became a friendly and a kind person through practicing Falun Dafa.

I began to live by Dafa's standards of Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance. I learned that men are meant to be masculine and women more feminine. I spoke softer, let my hair grow longer, and gave up my tomboy look. I also took better care of my husband and family. I am grateful for the new life Dafa gave me.

When the factory where I was employed closed down, I found a new job as a nanny. I told my employer when we first met that I practiced Falun Dafa. She did not have a problem with that. I tried not to get into conflicts and always looked within myself for shortcomings.

My employer realized that I was hardworking and honest. I knew she trusted me completely, as she would leave money and her jewelry out in the open. When she became pregnant with her second child, she hired a second nanny for the new baby and began to lock up her valuables again.

When I was needed to start taking care of the elderly members of my own family, I had to quit my job as a nanny. My employer was sad to see me go. She remarked, “If I ever hear anyone talk bad about Falun Dafa, I will not believe a word of it! Remember, my house is always open to you.”