Wow! May went by so quickly at Isorropia. Firstly, our apologies for the delay in getting May’s blog post to you, annual leave within the Team means we’re running a bit behind, but we are catching up now!

The weather is getting warmer and the days are brighter, which is such a mood booster! Personally, May was a month filled with new responsibilities at work. It’s been a rollercoaster ride with ups and downs, but I’m embracing it as a learning experience. Every day brings new challenges, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow. Of course, there are moments when self-doubt creeps in, but thankfully, I have an amazing team that supports me and helps me find my way. I understand that opening up and being vulnerable with the people I trust is essential for personal growth. However, it’s not always easy for me to do. Despite these challenges, I am gradually learning to overcome them by taking on tasks that challenge and prove my negative beliefs wrong. 

Connection is a topic that frequently comes up in our workshops at Isorropia, emphasising the significance of connecting with others. It can be quite daunting if you’re like me and have distanced yourself from people for a long time. When I first joined Isorropia as a member, my intention was to avoid everyone, stay silent, and never form any friendships. If you struggle with friendships, like I have in the past, you might think that isolating yourself is the best way to deal with it, right? How mistaken I was!

Being in the presence of others sometimes frightens me and causes genuine concern, often leading me to withdraw. However, I have come to realise that one of the most crucial aspects of life is connecting with others. As humans, we thrive on connection. One thing I truly appreciate about Isorropia is that we quickly learn in our workshops that we are not alone. I have always placed pressure on myself, thinking “I should have friends,” “why don’t I have close friendships like them,” “why don’t I fit in,” and “why is it so difficult to be liked?”

These have been ongoing struggles for me since childhood. Enduring severe bullying throughout my middle and high school years has greatly impacted my ability to trust, form relationships, communicate, and even like myself. Overcoming these challenges, as well as my fear of abandonment, has been a true battle when it comes to being around others.

I’ve realised during this journey that connection isn’t about forcing ourselves into deep, meaningful relationships. I used to have high expectations for friendships, focusing on how they should appear and feel. However, when I did form a bond with someone, I became overly reliant on them, expecting too much and giving too much, which ultimately led to an unhealthy dynamic and pain when it ended. 

I didn’t realise that by participating in workshops, I was already connecting with people, even if I didn’t speak. Seeing the wellbeing coaches and members each time I attended the workshops was a form of connection. I’ve learned that I don’t have to be best friends with someone to feel connected. Being in this environment has helped me slowly break down some of the walls I’ve built around myself, allowing me to be vulnerable and trust like-minded individuals at a distance that feels comfortable for me.

Since becoming a wellbeing coach a challenge I have faced has been allowing myself to connect with others. However, I started doing it at a pace that is comfortable for me, which is ok! I have understood that liking my own company isn’t a bad thing. I can create boundaries and not put to many expectations on myself or other people, and that’s ok. Slowly, I have built more meaningful relationships with others, and although it’s been a challenge, I have found some great connections. 

This has enabled me to share the challenges I face with people whom I trust. I’ve opened up to them, revealing glimpses of my true self. I’ve discussed my boundaries and comfort zones, and gradually, I’m discovering that I can cultivate genuine and nourishing friendships.

I’ve discovered that true friendship is all about balance, setting boundaries, empathy, trust, respect, and being genuine. Above all, I’ve learned the importance of being in relationships that uplift and support you, where you can grow together – that’s the kind of tribe you should seek out.

Throughout my journey, I’ve had to make some tough choices. I had to end certain family relationships that were not benefiting me, but rather dragging me down and causing me pain. In those instances, I prioritised myself, and it’s important to note that it’s not selfishness but self-awareness. I value myself enough to understand that I deserve to be treated better, and I have enough respect for myself.

“How can anyone like you, if you don’t like yourself first?”

I’ve heard this statement countless times, and as much as I hate to admit it, I find it undeniably true. The key lesson is that in order for others to like and respect you, you must first like and respect yourself. It’s crucial to cultivate a genuine friendship with yourself, being kind, honest, and compassionate towards your own being.

This lesson has been the most challenging for me to learn, but it’s also the most important. The friendship we have with ourselves is the most significant one we’ll ever experience in our entire lives because we are the ones we live with, and when we depart from this world, we depart with that friendship. We don’t take anyone else with us, only ourselves. So, let’s strive to make our minds a positive and welcoming place by learning to genuinely like ourselves first.

Currently, I am focusing on practicing self-acceptance. I have always compared myself to others and tried to conform to everyone’s standards, which is exhausting and makes me feel inauthentic. It’s a gradual process, but I am finally learning to embrace my true self without pretending or hiding. In those moments of doubt, it’s important to show yourself compassion. When you’re ready to embark on this journey, remember that it won’t be smooth sailing, but it will lead to a healthier relationship with yourself and others.

For more on self compassion and journaling with compassion please have a read of my February blog.

Our workshop on building healthy relationships is an excellent opportunity to delve into the dynamics of both unhealthy and healthy relationships. Additionally, our workshop on effective communication will provide valuable insights into expressing your needs more effectively. The workshop on confidence and self-esteem aims to assist you in recognising and addressing any negative beliefs you may hold, while also empowering you to enhance your self-esteem.

Becky, our neurodiversity lead and exceptional senior wellbeing coach, is truly one of a kind. She exudes kindness, intelligence, and compassion, always putting others before herself. Becky’s warm personality and funny quirks make her a beloved figure in the office, where she never fails to make everyone feel at home. Her wealth of knowledge on neurodiversity studies is truly impressive, making her an invaluable resource for all of us.

1. When was the last time you genuinely listened to during a conversation?
2. Share an interaction that left you feeling full of joy.
3. Which topics do you find easy to discuss, and which ones do you find more challenging?
4. Describe a recent encounter where you felt completely at ease. What contributed to that feeling?
5. Reflect on a recent conversation that didn’t go as planned. If you could change something about it, what would it be?
6. Recall a time when you felt proud of how you handled a social situation.
7. Describe a recent moment when you felt a deep connection with someone. What factors contributed to that bond?
8. Do you notice any recurring patterns in how people react to you? If so, what are they?
9. Think about a time when you assisted someone else. How did it make you feel?
10. Have you ever received a compliment that stayed with you? What was it about?
11. Can you think of a time when you misinterpreted someone’s actions? What did you learn from that experience?
12. Recall a moment when you shared laughter with someone. What was the catalyst for that laughter?
13. Write about an interaction that prompted personal growth or a new understanding.

The team recently participated in an awesome activity exploring our various colour personality types. I’ve included a link below where you can try it out yourself. I had a blast taking part in it and found it fascinating to discover the different personality types within our office. I’m curious to know what colour you are, and let’s see if anyone can guess mine! Click HERE to check it out.

The end of May marked the start of the Big Eat Co. offering delicious lunch options at Medina Valley Centre!

It’s off to a great start! Mark at the Big Eat Co is doing a wonderful job providing amazing meals and drinks. I would recommend the lemon cheesecake it’s delicious!

With over three decades of culinary experience, Mark, the brains behind and owner of the Big Eat Company, is transformaing catering with his innovative, flavour-filled approach. His focus on sustainability and ethical eating shines in every dish, using local ingredients and supporting the low food mile movement. The result? Plates that taste great and promote environmental responsibility.

But don’t take our word for it, come down to Medina Valley Centre and try it yourself!

Our team recently met with the lovely Matt from Independent Arts. He explained what they offer on the island and it really sounds amazing, easy to access, and fun!

The summer social groups have started off with a bang, thanks to the incredible Vicky, who organises the community groups for our members. 

If you’re interested in joining the social groups, you can find all the information on our Facebook page and book your place through the BookWhen link provided when you join as a member.

Our members have been incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Mottistone Manor Gardens and Osborn House this month. Your feedback on the social groups and the connections you’ve made through them has been absolutely wonderful!

Wellbeing Activities are exclusively for Isorropia members. All graduates (members who have completed the workshop programme and are now part of our wider community) are welcome to join as well. Members who are taking part on the workshop programme need to be attending workshops regularly in order to participate in Isorropia’s social activities.

Isorropia Foundation recently advertise volunteer positions for mentors and minibus drivers. I’d like to wish the applicants all the best!

After completing my own journey with Isorropia as a member, I took a bold step and became a volunteer mentor role. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, as putting yourself out there can be challenging! However, by applying, you have taken a courageous step outside of your comfort zone and believed in yourself. That is something to be proud of. Remember to stay true to yourself, be honest and open, and embrace the journey. Most importantly, always remember how far you have come!

If you are interested in future volunteering opportunities, please let us know. You’ll be added to our email list to be the first to learn about future positions.

Karleigh x

April has flown by, and we are almost into May!

This month, I’ve received messages from members who have expressed their enjoyment of my blogs. I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for sharing this with me and reading. Honestly, I never thought anyone would read my blog, so knowing that so many of you do truly warms my heart and boosts my self-belief even more. Thank you all!

I still get nervous when presenting workshops, and it’s frustrating because I feel like I should be more confident by now. On top of that, I haven’t been feeling well due to a cold, which makes it even harder to focus on my work. But I need to remind myself to be kind and compassionate towards myself, just like I talked about in my February blog. It’s important to acknowledge how far I’ve come and appreciate the progress I’ve made. In this blog, I want to explore the importance of setting goals.

Initially, I was hesitant about setting goals, I felt trapped and believed that I would never succeed in accomplishing anything. However, I eventually came to understand that goals are the driving force that propels us forward and aids in our personal growth. By focusing on self-improvement, we are already making significant strides towards achievement.

During the introductory workshop, the well-being coaches explained Isorropia’s five keys, and amidst it all, the concept of meaning and purpose brought a mix of emotions. Initially, it felt daunting, as I felt as though I lacked both at the time. The coaches mentioned the two-day GIFT foundation course as a path toward setting goals, but my initial reaction was resistance. It felt daunting and overwhelming, my inner critic fought against the idea.

In those moments, the idea of seeking meaning, purpose, and setting goals seemed distant and unattainable. All I wanted was to navigate through the workshops, to simply survive. Even attending felt like a challenge, and my first goal was simply making it through the door and finding a seat. The pressure I placed on myself led to overwhelming emotions and I couldn’t complete the first day of the GIFT course. Walking away left me feeling like I had stumbled, like I had failed, further denting my self-esteem. It was in this negative space that I even resorted to writing a harsh letter to myself, emphasizing my perceived shortcomings.

However, a few days later, a well-being coach reached out, offering reassurance and booking me for more workshops, including a rescheduled GIFT course. This encouragement shifted my perspective, reminding me that setbacks weren’t the end of the road but merely detours on the path to growth. I made a conscious decision to persevere, using each workshop as a stepping stone toward my ultimate goal of completing the GIFT.

This marked a turning point for me—a conscious decision to not let setbacks define my journey and I committed to pushing forward. The GIFT became my ultimate goal, and each workshop became a stepping stone toward it. By applying the tools from the workshops, I began to work on myself outside of the sessions. I used my journal as a guide and worked towards my goals with compassion. I reminded myself that slipping up wasn’t a failure, just a sign that I needed more time. Every goal I set revolved around the workshops, keeping me focused until I finally achieved the gift. And when I finally entered that space, I knew I was truly prepared.

On my gift day I wrote myself something I wanted to share…

This time, my experience with the Gift was truly transformative. I didn’t push myself too hard, but I still had a clear goal in mind. It really helped to shift my mindset and I even connected with the people in my group. The Gift was another step towards my overall well-being, and the follow-up session really helped me stay focused. I really enjoyed my GIFT course and was so proud I did it!

I realised that meaning and purpose doesn’t always have to be grand and overwhelming. It can be found in the simple moments. Finding meaning in our daily actions, routines, and activites can bring purpose and happiness, without necessarily needing to find the meaning of life itself. So, ask yourself, what is the meaning behind the things you do? As for me, the meaning of writing this blog is to let others know that they’re not alone, to offer hope, and to give back in my own way. Now, what is the meaning of your attendance at Isorropia?

It’s completely normal to feel scared when setting big goals for yourself. Admitting what you truly want can be intimidating, especially when the fear of failure creeps in. It’s important to shift your mindset towards the opportunities and possibilites.

How was your experience with the gift? I would love to hear all about it. 

Most of you will already be aware that Isorropia offers a transformative two-day foundation course called “THE GIFT”. This course is designed to reconnect members with life’s possibilities in relationships, family, career & community. It encourages exploration of personal passions & aims to bring about permanent shifts towards your desired life. Members will consilidate the tools learnt in the workshops to develop powerful new thinking & behavioral patterns, enhancing success & balance in personal wellbeing.

You will receive your GIFT course dates during your first introduction workshop. It is not mandatory to complete the GIFT course, but I would highly recommend taking part if you are able. If you find the two day difficult, then we also offer the “GIFT LITE”, which is a shorter 5 hours version. 

REMEMBER: Either version of “THE GIFT” is open to all members. If you wish to change your gift date, swap to the GIFT LITE, or retake the GIFT, please give us a call. 

Follow-up sessions are my favourite part of the program and play a crucial role in helping you stay on track with your goals. These sessions, led by wellbeing coaches, break down your goals into manageable steps and provide a more personalized approach compared to the workshops. They focus on the present moment and offer an opportunity to reconnect with your fellow GIFT participants.

These follow-up sessions take place over 4 weeks at the same time and day each week, with a final 1-1 review session on the 5th week with a wellbeing coach. During this review, you can decide how you want to proceed with isorropia – whether it’s graduating from the program, attending more workshops, or repeating the entire program. The choice is yours.

One of the great things about isorropia is that even after graduating, you can still participate in workshops, attend the GIFT sessions, or join social groups. You will continue to have access to our phone lines for ongoing support.

Why not try these journal prompts for goal setting. Your goals can be as small as you want… have a shower, get a decent lunch, drink two glass of water.

• • What have I already accomplished today? (I got up, I got dressed, I went for a walk, I allowed myself to rest, I made a phone call) 
  • Did I learn anything today? (I do achieve things) 
  • What is the story I’m telling myself right now? 
  • Is there a new habit I would like to try. 
  • What is one goal I’d like to work towards?
  • What small steps can I take to work towards this? 
  • What if my small step doesn’t work out? What can I do to still work towards this?
  • What is the meaning In this goal? 
  • How will I feel after achieving this goal? 
  • What will happen if I don’t achieve this goal, and can I do it differently?  What did I learn? (Be compassioante towards yourself here; what would you say to a friend?)

I’ve had a desire to climb a mountain for quite some time now. It’s a goal I’ve been aiming to accomplish, especially since my journey to wellness with isorropia has always felt like climbing a mountain. Earlier this month, my two eldest sons and I decided to hike across north Wales and hike to the peak of Snowdonia to raise funds for autism awareness. What I realized during this trip is that the journey towards a goal is more significant than the goal itself. Reflecting on where I was just a few years ago, unable to even step out of my own home, to now stepping out of my comfort zone and routine, is a huge achievement for me. Boarding a boat is something that scares me, so it was a goal to conquer that fear. While traveling we crossed bridges over water, which I don’t particularly like due to my fear of water. Being out of routine made me very uncomfortable but overcoming these fears and pushing myself out of my comfort zone are small victories that contribute to the overall achievement. It’s important to acknowledge how far we’ve come when setting goals, and for me, the greatest achievement was simply believing that I could do these things. We ended up walking 57miles, visited amazing sights and made the Snowdon climb.

Setting goals is important, but the biggest growth comes from believing in myself enough to achieve those goals. When I got the job at isorropia, I thought that was the ultimate achievement, but in reality, the goals I accomplished along the way were huge. Stepping out of my comfort zone and overcoming challenges like picking up the phone and talking to people were major milestones. when I look back at all the challenges I faced, I realise they contributed to my personal growth, rather than just getting the job. 

It’s all about changing our mindset and believing in ourselves. I’ve held myself back for too long, playing the victim to my own mental health diagnosis and believing I couldn’t do things, because I was unwell, anxious, or socially awkward. I created a story in my head that I didn’t deserve success or happiness because of the traumas I’ve been through. But the truth is, the only person holding me back was myself. Changing the narrative I constantly told myself marked the beginning of setting goals for myself. I reminded myself that I couldn’t keep repeating the stories of my past failures or insecurities because by doing so, I would continue to believe them. I realised that I needed to shift my perspective and take control of my story. Now, my story is one of growth and accomplishment at my own pace. I refuse to let anything hold me back because I deserve to live the life I want. Despite facing challenges, I have continued to grow. Just like Les Brown once said, “growth comes from overcoming tough times, not from the good days.” I have learned to embrace the difficult moments and use them as opportunities to evolve. I am constantly looking for new ways to approach obstacles and learn from them. It’s not about reaching the top of the mountain effortlessly, but about the journey of growth and resilience along the way. I’ve challenged myself to at least give it a shot, believing in myself to try. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll figure out what I can do differently. How can I learn and grow from this experience? In reality, I might grow more from not reaching my initial goal, as I’ll need to find alternative paths. It’s about dealing with the obstacles and emotions along the way, not just reaching the destination easily. It’s a process of working hard and gradually improving to achieve growth. Just like when I climbed that mountain, it wasn’t a simple journey to the top. There were struggles, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But those challenges are where the real growth happens, and the sense of achievement is even greater. If I had just breezed through it, I wouldn’t have learned as much or felt as accomplished as I do now. The real growth and achievement comes from the journey itself, the obstacles faced, and the determination to overcome them.

Remember, when you first reached out to Isorropia for help THAT was an achievement. When you completed your enrolment, that was another achievement. Attending the introduction and deciding to book your workshops were also achievements. By choosing to come to Isorropia, you made the decision to change your story. It doesn’t matter where you are in your journey or if you face struggles, tears, or overwhelming moments. Your past doesn’t have to compare to anyone else’s. What matters is that you showed up for yourself; you’re trying. That’s the most important part towards your growth!

Ask yourself! 

• • How far have I come? 
  • What have I done to show up for myself? 
  • Am I doing things I believed I couldn’t do 6 months ago? 
  • What is it that I’m telling myself I can’t achieve? Can I challenge this? Is there proof that this self-belief is false? 

Looking to boost your self-belief? Look no further than our confidence and self-esteem workshop! It’s the perfect opportunity to enhance your mindset and build a strong foundation of self-assurance. Members can easily secure a spot via your bookwhen link, or simply giving us a call. Additionally, we have another fantastic workshop that focuses on goals and maintaining focus. It’s called “The Fear of Getting Well” and “Well-being Planning”. These workshops complement each other perfectly, creating a harmonious balance in your personal growth journey.

A tool that really helps me put things in to perspective when I’m struggling to push to achieve is the cross roads to happiness tool. You can find this in the well-being planning workshop.

Molly recently accomplished an incredible feat by participating in the ABP half marathon, finishing 13.10 miles in just 1 hour and 56 minutes. Not only did she surpass her personal record, but she also raised funds for the Isle of Wight and Hampshire air ambulance. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement, Molly!

You might have noticed on our community Facebook page that the Isorropia team has been diligently brainstorming new workshop ideas for our members. Natasha, our amazing team member, even created a Facebook poll for you to vote on your favourite workshop idea. Your input is incredibly valuable to us, and we truly appreciate the time you took to participate. We are eagerly awaiting the results and can’t wait to start organizing some exciting new workshops. Stay tuned for updates!

From time to time, the Isorropia team gathers and dedicates an entire day to our well-being. This is crucial for us to pause, appreciate each other, and strengthen our bond as a team. It’s also an opportunity for us to have some fun! During this month’s well-being day, we engaged in team-building exercises, enjoyed music quizzes, and explored our personality types and core values. I absolutely cherish these days, although I must admit they can be challenging for me. As someone who gets easily drained by crowds and noise, I tend to withdraw and become quiet. In the past, I used to judge myself for this and wonder why I couldn’t be more enthusiastic like others. However, what I’ve come to realize is that it’s truly fascinating to find people who understand you. They don’t judge or question your behaviour; instead, they simply accept you for who you are. I believe this is a crucial aspect of finding your tribe, and I can confidently say that the team here at Isorropia is definitely my tribe.

As always, I hope this blog has been helpful to you, please let me know of any subjects you would like me to cover or if you would like to participate in the blog. 

Much love Karleigh.