Connect, Reflect, Grow

08/06/2026

A big shout out to All on the Board for their recognition of carers.

June 8th - 14th 2026 is Carer’s Week here in the UK.

As a carer myself, I am hugely thankful to the professional carers who make it possible for me to continue working.

As an Occupational Therapist, I know only too well the value of meaningful activity & how this supports wellbeing, so also want to thank the local organisations whose classes I attend.

In a society in which carers are often invisible, here at Connect, Reflect, Grow, please know that you are seen & valued, both for your caring responsibilities but also for who you are outside of these.

Take good care 🧡

This week is Carers Week. Thank you to all of the paid and non-paid carers in the UK and all over the world. If you’re caring for others please remember to take care of yourself too.

01/06/2026

Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
What a powerful video 🌈

29/05/2026

On Wednesday, on behalf of Wellbeing Therapy Solutions, I attended the wonderful Create & Grow Club run by Cosby Yarn Bomb, where we spoke about comparison & strategies for managing this.

Whilst we acknowledged that comparison can have positive aspects (such as inspiring us to acquire new skills) it can also feed our self critic!

Group members spoke openly about their experiences of comparison, and we acknowledged that the things we often focus on when comparing ourselves to others don't tell the whole story.

We finished by exploring ways to engage our "inner coach" (instead of our "inner critic").

I'm curious, how does comparison show up for you?
Do you have ways of managing this?

11/05/2026

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK MAY 11th - 17th 2026

The theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is "Take Action."

This may feel overwhelming, particularly when our mental health isn't in a great place.

However, making small adjustments within our daily routine can be an effective way to "Take Action" including how we respond to others.

Use of IF-THEN boundary statements are one way to protect our mental health & wellbeing, by expressing a limit and the action we will take to maintain it.

Some examples are shown below.

At work:

- If I receive an e-mail after 6pm, I will not respond until 9am the next working day
- I can print that for you, but will need to receive it by Tuesday @ 10
- I can help you with "X" but not with "Y"

With friends:

- If you are running more than 20 minutes late, then please text or call to let me know
- I enjoy spending time with you, but ask that you let me know when you are planning to visit
- If you call me after 10pm, I shall not answer as I need my sleep

As the quote says, we are the thermostat not the thermometer when it comes to taking on other people's emotions.

What are your thoughts?

29/04/2026

The topic of comparison came up in a recent group discussion, both comparison with others and comparison of our current selves to our past selves. Both of these scenarios can involve a lot of negative self-talk!

Whilst doing some sewing recently, I turned it over and was reminded of the conversation about comparison - whilst the "finished version" is visible to the world, the effort and stitches that are crucial to its completion are hidden.

This is true of people, too. We can easily compare ourselves to the visible aspects of someone, without fully recognising the "hard work" and alterations that have gone on in the background.

This also applies to ourselves - we are all a work in progress, and it's easy to forget the "stitches and threads" that contribute to our story and who we are.

Be kind to yourself ❤️

24/04/2026

It's not every day that you see an entire exhibition dedicated to the Occupational Therapy profession (i.e. never)!

I took some time out today & enjoyed looking around the "Strike a Light - The Art and Science of Occupational Therapy" exhibition at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.

What really came across for me is the holistic approach we have, and the fact that we support people with a huge variety of circumstances, conditions and values. The possibilities are endless!

If you would like to learn more about Occupational Therapy, or you are an Occupational Therapist & would like a reminder of our positive impact, do go along if you are able 💚

(Alt text provided with images)

23/04/2026

A little late to post, but on behalf of Wellbeing Therapy Solutions last Wednesday I attended the Create and Grow Club facilitated by Mel & Nat from Cosby Yarn Bomb.

We spoke about “spoon theory” a metaphor for energy management in relation to everyday activities (each task completed costs energy or “spoons”).

Group members shared some strategies they find helpful for managing energy, including doing tasks sitting down, online grocery shopping & asking others for help.

We also spoke about the role of things like walking sticks & wheelchairs - whilst some people may feel reluctant, using items like this can mean we have more energy to do the things we enjoy.

Look after your spoons! 🥄

Also, how beautiful is this cherry blossom outside the village hall?!

13/04/2026

During a recent supervision session, a supervisee & I reflected on the unique approach of Occupational Therapy.
This is what the supervisee said (permission to share provided) … I love it!

This is where OT is different …

• We look at the whole person
• We home in on glimmers
• We build on the glimmers
• The ‘goodness’ expands
• This creates less opportunity for mental health challenges
• The primary focus is no longer on the ‘bad stuff’

08/03/2026

04/03/2026

Last Wednesday, on behalf of Wellbeing Therapy Solutions, I attended the lovely Create and Grow Club, facilitated by Nat and Mel from Cosby Yarn Bomb.

Our mental health session focussed on “Steps Into Spring” and included:

🌷Spring affirmations
🌷Some key dates for March (& ideas for activities to mark them) &
🌷Ways to look after our wellbeing in spring

We closed the session by considering the following:

“One thing I can do to support my wellbeing this week is …”

Mine was to spend some time outdoors in the fresh air….. what about you…? 🌳