The aim of the Hope & Resilience project is a reflection of my level of commitment to reducing unnecessary human suffering. This project is the result of my life experiences and the discovery of my life purpose: ” To have a world that works for everyone; I long for to a society where win-win situations are the result of working together. And have the opportunity to create favourable circumstances for the members of the community.
“How come that despite the fact I seem to have all I need, I feel unhappy and dissatisfied”. I repeatedly asked myself this questions during the times I felt confused and unhappy. Fortunately, I am happy to report that I have been able to get an answer for myself. I now want to share my discovery to support others.
What has helped me has been the feeling of hope and the willingness to find ways to move forward by taking care of myself and build resilience.
In my journey I have come across teachers who have helped me and organisations within which I was able to develop and flourish. They taught me, but I was also willing to listen.
Role Models – giving Hope and nurturing Resilience
My first role models were my parents. In their simplicity they taught me self reliance, responsibility, respect for fellow human beings and hard work. The other role model was my commercial law teacher. He had charisma, deep sense of justice and power. He had the ability to command respect without saying a word. His presence was enough!
I do remember a conversation I had with him at a very challenging time during my secondary school period. He said; “your inquisitiveness will present challenges. However, you will deal with whatever comes your way”.
He gave me hope and belief in myself. Fortunately for me, over the years I have also come across a number of bosses, mentors and coaches who have given me the tools to build my resilience.
Wellbeing through Self-Help and Education
Writing my autobiography in the book “Defining Moments: Reclaim Your Power & Live The Life You Love“, has also given me the opportunity to look back and join the dots within the various events in my life that have shaped who I am.
This has given me the opportunity to understand about myself as an individual but also as a human being. Although I want to recognise and acknowledge my uniqueness, this uniqueness has to be in the context of the characteristics of us as human beings.
I have come to the conclusion that Hope & Resilience are characteristics that must be nurtured and are the basic assumptions that guide our actions. I also believe that as human beings we strive to do the best we can and our environment plays a part in shaping which way we go.
Life Lessons
If I am asked: “if you could go back in time, what would you change?” I would say that I have no regrets. However, what I would do is to communicate more, especially with my family and chill out more! As a teenager and until my early forties, I was rather intense, significant and stubborn. I had a “do it my way” attitude to life.
What made the difference was the introduction to Life Coaching and Mentoring. These approaches to teaching/learning get the best out of people. Through them, I learnt to ask myself “who am I being?” rather than “what am I doing?” The power in the discovery of the implied difference between the nature of these two questions, keeps shaping my life. It is often uncomfortable to dwell in these questions. Nevertheless, they give me the opportunity to be authentic in declaring who I am and also give me the power of choice. I have the power to be who I choose to be moment by moment. Circumstances may be difficult and challenging, however I have the choice on how I deal with them.
So, what do I want to achieve through the Hope & Resilience project?
My work experience has always been connected with people. We often hear that “prevention is better than cure” and that we can learn from other people’s experiences.
My commitment is to use the Hope & Resilience project to share my experiences and life lessons. There is a need to educate and support people in taking care of their wellbeing. This can be achieved by increasing the level of awareness of resources available to fulfil people’s potential. This will lead to taking actions that can result to achieving a good quality of life.
Support the NHS to fulfil its promises by working in communities
Playing a part in the fulfilment of the NHS long term approach https://www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/, specifically with regard to incorporating and expanding the role of Early Intervention, Social Prescribing and inclusion of Life Coaching and Mentoring. Why not offer Life Coaching and Mentoring alongside all the other services made available to patients going to the GP for help?
I envisage a deeper co-operation between the different sections of the NHS and other “accredited” professionals who could work alongside the NHS through Social Prescribing principle.
This to be coupled with the involvement, at a community level, of specific charities, organisations and individuals to contribute towards the training of staff and volunteers with topics ranging from the explanation of what is meant by “social prescribing” to introducing self care techniques like Mindfulness, Meditation, Emotional Freedom Techniques or Heart Coherence techniques.
I was very inspired by the outcomes of the set up at Edberts House CLP Community Linking Project and the recommendations of reports like ‘New Report Launch: Potential NHS savings up to £1bn with integrated approach – Look Ahead‘.
My commitment to the Hope & Resilience project
My commitment is to promote co-operation by working together to identify the needs of the communities and contribute to the development of policies based on those needs.
These topics are very close to my heart. If you have experience of social prescribing or early intervention in the community and these topics resonate with you, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me here and connect with me on LinkedIn.
With Love & Connection,
Anna Stapleton
Life Coach, Mentor and Procrastination Smasher