It was a good session at Oldham Library yesterday, with three workshops on Managing Depression, Building Self esteem and Stress Management for 5-15 people in the sessions.   45 minute sessions with Q & A at the end, I used powerpoint presentations (and yes, quick visual prompts and bullet points rather than long winded wordy screens to read through), and summary handouts which included exercises, some of which we worked though in session and which then can be continued at home.  

The attendees really engaged, albeit initially a little reticent, but some of them have actually been to my workshops before and know how I work!

I add in a little fun and humour, a little direction for the self esteem group and share tips and facts, as well as ideas on how to better understand yourself and then use that information to better manage your lifestyle.

It was very nice with a private lounge and refreshments I took advantage of before and between sessions, but didn’t manage to meet Dr Chris Steele from TV who was also there providing information on nutritional and health tips, although he did pop in for the depression session before he left!

The ladies at the library really looked after us, and I met new people this time too alongside Vickie and Janat.

I really enjoyed the afternoon, but was a little shocked having arrived to set up at 11.15 to come out of the first session to see the stands also there, and see a couple of inches of snow outside!  Having arrived in heels because I had expected it from warnings overnight but thought we’d escaped, I was a little concerned how I would get safely back to my car in the car park downhill from there!

Never worry, there is always an option!   So after trying to walk a couple of steps at the end I decide that safety rather than comfort was paramount at that point – so promptly took off my heels and walked in stocking-feet to the car!   J   It made me smile, walking smartly along carrying my presentation aids and bags, and if it made others smile too then that was a bonus!  But I made it safely with no lasting damage and it was actually fun!  (Fun being something I had suggested in the workshops on depression in particular – do something new every day, try something you haven’t done before or just have a little short burst of fun when you can!   So when I had the opportunity, I took it and embraced my inner child!)

But hey, at least I had a dress on and my trousers didn’t have to get wet walking in snow!

It wasn’t actually cold whilst walking but when I stopped by the car to put things in and open the door that’s when I felt it, and couldn’t wait to get my feet into my driving shoes!   Then an hours crawl  home rather than the usual 15 minutes, meant my feet had to wait for the comfort of cosy slippers when I arrived.