Featured Editorial by Heidi and James - Ripples Wellbeing

New Me! 

How many times have we seen or heard that recently? The corny cliché that we often latch onto. But…are we being authentic? 

The new year or at the start of the summer we often use societies view to ask ourselves questions: How did last year go? What do I need to change about myself? How much weight did I put on over the festive period? How much cash did I spend? What are my goals for this year? 

Why wait until those moments to ask ourselves these questions, wouldn’t it be easier to regularly check-in with ourselves?

We are very quick to book in holidays, trips, social events and much more but how many of us book a check-in day? Most people have a phone with a calendar function on it, why not set yourself a regular check-in appointment (once a month for example) - a chance to be honest, self-critical, and vulnerable. 

The allocated time then provides an opportunity to be authentic and look both physically and metaphorically in the mirror. A chance to explore our own soul. 

There are many resources available that we can use to take a holistic view of ourselves. See below example: 

This simple example can be used to take a snapshot view of yourself at any given time.  

To complete, simply trust your gut feeling and shade in each slice of the pie. The more shaded, the more content or fulfilled you are within that area. The less shaded, the less content or fulfilled you are within that area.  

The chart allows a visual awareness guide to be able to put things in place to increase those other areas of our lives that aren’t so complete.  

Take care and stay safe! 

James  

Do you want to find out more about how counselling can be an integral part of a ‘New Me’? See below brief introduction to James at Ripples Wellbeing: 

“I am an integrative counsellor which essentially means that I apply a range of therapeutic techniques depending on the clients’ needs. The core of my way of working is person-centred. This is non-directive and client-led. We will work from the clients own personal circumstances. At the centre of our sessions are the core conditions – empathy, congruence (being genuine) and unconditional positive regard (acceptance of you as an individual).” 

For further information about Counselling with Ripples Wellbeing, please click on the link below:

COUNSELLING | Ripples Wellbeing

For any questions or to find out more about all of our services, please use the link below: 

ENQUIRIES | Ripples Wellbeing 

About Ripples Wellbeing

James and Heidi’s story started some years ago through the world of rugby and the family-like connections the world of sport creates (Heidi and James’ wife, also aptly named Heidi, played rugby together for a number of years).

In 2018, Heidi approached James to launch a mental health programme at Bristol Bears Women, knowing that James had started his re-qualification to become a Counselor.

The programme was set up in memory of club player, Jen*, who sadly took her own life in 2017. Jen openly struggled with mental health issues throughout her life and her honesty about how it impacted her life opened the eyes of all those around her.

She taught everyone that it was ok not to be ok.

The programme was named after Jen’s dog, Ripple, and the principle that mental health ‘ripples’ into all aspects of your life.

Soon the confidential service, spearheaded by James, was providing a lifeline to many players and staff across the club. The service allowed members to discuss issues such as anxiety, relationships, stress, depression, financial issues, education pressures, injury, day to day worries and any issues that were affecting them.

Ripples grew from strength to strength supporting in excess of 70 individuals across a space of four years. Ripples has now truly achieved its original ‘ripple’ effect with the launch of Ripples Wellbeing where Counseling, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Workplace Wellbeing and Live and Learn event speaking has been added to the services provided.

*Permission from Jen's family has been sought in order to use her name and the part she played in our story

At Ripples Wellbeing We cover all aspects of Mental Health and Wellbeing - from personal counseling, to corporate events.

We believe that self-care embodies the whole of oneself: physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual. This is achieved through reflection on where we have come from, what drives us and what impact we want to leave on the world and those around us.

We empower individuals, groups, companies, and businesses to make a positive difference to themselves and those around them.

We provide the environment and support systems to enable growth and discovery; unlocking potential and the investment this brings.

We believe in making a positive difference, however small, as our impact continues to ripple onward and outward, uniting Ripples Wellbeing with everyone we work with.

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