As we embrace the arrival of autumn, I want to wish everyone a joyful season. This time of year, is truly enchanting, especially here at the Isorropia site. Nature begins its transformation, bringing shorter days and cooler temperatures. While these changes can sometimes feel a bit dreary, it’s important to remember that just as we cherish the warmth of sunshine, growth also requires the balance of rain and darkness. Both elements are essential for nurturing life.

When we take a moment to reflect, we realize that our lives mirror this reality: not every day will be filled with joy. There will be tough days that challenge us, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and tempted to revert to old coping strategies. It’s okay to feel down for a while, but we must find the strength to recognise when it’s time to say, “enough is enough.” This is where the tools we offer at Isorropia can help us regain our balance. I wanted to share my thoughts on embracing acceptance and the art of letting go, a key focus in the Gift Foundation course.

Easier said the done right! Experiencing negative events in life can have a profound impact, and it’s easy to find yourself transported back to those moments through a familiar smell, sound, or word. Forgiveness can often seem daunting and challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s not about forgiving the event itself; rather, it’s about how we treat ourselves in the aftermath that truly needs our compassion and understanding.

What truly matters is recognising that your negative experiences can play into our self-beliefs and continue to damage us if we let them, but they do not define you. You are more than your trauma; you are a complex individual with a rich identity beyond those painful moments.

I used to be a victim of my negative experiences, constantly blaming my actions on what I had endured. I would think, “I behave this way because of how I was treated,” or “This triggers me because of my past.” I felt stuck, believing I couldn’t progress because of what I was going through, and I internalised feelings of worthlessness based on others’ words. I thought, “I’m not good enough because of this event.” In reality, I was caging my negative experiences in my mind, replaying them over and over, allowing them to define me. Living in the past obscured my future and prevented me from fully experiencing the present. The truth is, we have the power to choose. We can either let our past dictate our lives or we can rise up and move forward. Are we really going to let past events hold us back from living in the now?

Moving forward can feel challenging, and I truly wish I had all the solutions or could simply make everything better with a wave of a wand. However, I can share with you the steps I take in similar situations.

Life is not always easy things will come in that bring up the past and it may take you back for a minute. Try not to linger in that space for too long. When I find myself in this situation, I remind myself to let go and focus on the present moment. I recognise that I am here now, and I have grown from my past. To help ground myself, I often use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, which helps me reconnect with the present. If you’re unfamiliar with this method, I encourage you to look for it in the upcoming emotional regulation workshop.

Consider using the following journal prompts on the topic of acceptance and letting go. Some of these questions may be uncomfortable, so remember to give yourself compassion, growth lies in discomfort!

• • • Reflect on a challenge you’ve overcome. How has this experience helped you grow and become stronger? What valuable lessons did you gain from it?
    • Rewrite your story with a fresh, empowering perspective. Focus on the incredible person you are becoming and the dreams you’re pursuing. For example: “I used to dwell in my past as the girl who faced bullying, the young mother who fought through challenges, and someone who felt unwell, overwhelmed, and shattered. Now, my new story is that I am Karleigh, a compassionate and empathetic individual who cherishes her work and is dedicated to helping others. I seek adventure and a deeper connection with the world around me.”
    • When facing a tough situation, ask yourself: What can I do to improve it? If I can’t change it, what positive steps can I take to let go and move forward with peace?
    • Think of a time when something good emerged from a difficult experience. How has that silver lining shaped your perspective and personal growth?
    • What are five strengths that make you unique and powerful? Celebrate these qualities and how they enrich your life.
    • What areas of your life do you have control over? Focus on these aspects and how you can enhance them to create more joy and fulfillment.
    • What is one negative belief you hold about yourself? Look for evidence that shows this belief is untrue and begin rewriting it into something positive.
    • How has your past influenced who you are today in a positive way? What valuable insights have you gained from your journey so far?
    • What would you gain by letting go of the past? Imagine the freedom, peace, and new opportunities that could come your way.
    • What makes you feel safe, supported, and at ease? Reflect on these sources of comfort and how they uplift you.
    • What situations or emotions trigger you, and how can you care for yourself when this happens? Consider healthy strategies that help you stay grounded and positive.

Favourite quote:

1. 1. “The socialism I believe in isn’t politics. It is a way of living. It is humanity. I believe the only way to live and to be truly successful is by collective effort, with everyone working for each other, everyone helping each other, and everyone having a share of the rewards at the end of the day.”
   2. “If a leader has a vision and everybody shares it, then success is inevitable. Any team is like an orchestra, where each person has their part to play. But it’s the leader who sets the tempo, who directs the people and makes them believe in a common goal. When everybody is working toward the same vision, with the same determination, then you create something very special.”
   3. “The key to success is to make every single person believe in the same idea. It’s not just about, resource or strategy. It’s about creating belief. It’s about making everyone realize that they are part of something bigger than themselves, that they are contributing to something that can be truly great.”

I can’t choose between these three statements; however, they are all from a man named Bill Shankly a working-class man who become a leader of people and teams in the 1960s and 70s. All these statements can be related to mental health and suggest that if we work together, look after each other and have belief that we are a part of something greater than ourselves, we will all lead happier lives.

What does wellness look like for me:

Wellness for me is about learning and awareness. As long as I’m working on creating stability, consistently developing a healthier and balanced lifestyle, working on acceptance and letting go, implementing and growing an open and positive mindset and connecting to a meaning and purpose daily, all of which consists of countless steps and activities, I feel well.

We are pleased to announce the recent addition of Ian to our team, who has already proven to be a significant asset to Isorropia. His rapid learning ability has been impressive, and I have personally found great pleasure in getting to know him. Ian exemplifies remarkable strength and unwavering determination, making it a privilege to have him as part of our organisation. Congratulations, Ian.

If you’ve attended any workshops recently, you may have encountered some of the new members of the bank team who are training with the wellbeing coaches. It’s been a joy to get to know them and witness their growing confidence during the sessions. Each of them contributes something fresh and inspiring to Isorropia, and we all look forward to seeing more of their involvement.

We are excited to welcome some new volunteer mentors who are here to support those who may need assistance during our workshops. These mentors are invaluable members of our team, bringing their lived experiences and knowledge of Isorropia to help others through our program. We truly appreciate their contributions!

I really enjoy this because it gives me the opportunity to interview many more people.

This month has been packed with birthdays at the office, and we truly enjoy celebrating our team mates’ special days 🎂 ❤️ with cards, gifts, singing, and occasionally throwing a little party for some good laughs.