Blossome

Slow Stitching with Sue Woudstra.
Week 10 of our Self-care for Grieving Hearts programme.

In this session we took part in the Stitch Away the Stigma campaign inspired by Natalie Nedham.

Sometimes it’s easier to write the things you cannot express, the deep feelings and thoughts. Stitching is a great way to express these difficult emotions as the repetitiveness of the stitching, the mindfulness, makes it easier. Each participant stitched a message on a square piece of fabric. Each square will then be stitched together.

2 hours was not enough for most participants. We’ll share our squares when we are finished. The finished pice will help us all see that we are not alone, that many suffer when someone suffers from addiction. It’s a family illness. Families need to recover too. ❤️‍🩹

Anyone who has been affected by someone else’s substance misuse can stitch a square. Drop us a message and let us know if you’d like one. We will be scheduling more days of stitching.

Today’s walk was beautifully varied, with countryside, seaside and Julie’s House. ❤️

Walk 11: Finding Love
This was a gorgeous walk on a very hot day. The views were clear and we could see the sights… across the estuary of the Suffolk countryside, and further along the water towards Felixstowe and Harwich.

The country cottages, along with the beach huts, all showing what a quieter life could be like. Its was a gorgeous walk giving us the opportunity to pick some blackberries and enjoy pink lady apples from a local farm.

We took time to linger by Julie’s House, taking it all in - in all its glory.

Thank you to our Walk Leader Linda Molyneux for leading us on this special walk. 🙏

Do try this trail one day. It won’t disappoint. We will certainly walk this again.

There’s only one walk left in our series. Finding Happiness: The sunflower walk. We will post into soon. 🌸

Week 9: Expressive Art 🎨🖌️
of the Summer selfcare for Grieving Hearts Programme

We spent the evening under the Treehouse Studio with Art Therapist Chloe Sparrow. It was a beautiful session providing an invitation to explore different art materials, helping us to express the things that are hard to say.

We ended the session with time for reflection around the fire, feasting on s’mores of course.

Everyone who took part tried something different, and found a way to express something held deep inside. 🌸

Come for a walk with us!
Walk 11: Finding Love, part of our Walking Through Emotions series.

Date: Sunday 11th August
Time: at 10 am
Distance: 5.7 miles
Meeting Point: Wrabness Station
Route: Circular
Walk Leader: Linda Molyneux

Explore a new area and go a little further too. Going to new places is beneficial for selfcare. Breaking from routine and your usual environment can provide a much needed break from normal routines and responsibilities. New experiences can stimulate the brain with fresh sights, sounds and smells which can enhance your mood and improve your overall wellbeing.

New surroundings can make you feel happier, providing a reset for your busy mind. Stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing new challenges, like walking a little further, can lead to personal growth and a better understanding of yourself.

It can help build confidence too, as you successfully navigate a new environment, and overcoming travel-related challenges can boost resilience too.

Incorporating travel and exploration into your self-care routine can have profound positive effects on your mental, physical, and emotional health, contributing to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

We will go at a gentle pace and have the option to reduce the distance if that’s what the group prefers.

This is a lovely opportunity to spend time in nature and feel the benefits of walking.
Refreshments will be provided. ☕️🍪

Book your free ticket so we know you are coming. 🌸👉 https://www.blossome.support/event/walk-11-finding-love/

Ten happy brave dippers this morning, including 3 first timers. 🌸 each of us can feel a little bit prouder and more resilient having taken part.

We met at 4.45 am for early dawn but the clouds had other plans and we only saw a glimpse of the sun at sunrise. Although we didn’t have a bright orange sky, the water was calm, tranquil and warm for us.

Thank you to Linda Duncan and Denise Howe for volunteering. 🙏

Each dip is completely different and we look forward to the next one on Friday 16th August. The sun begins to rise later each week, meaning we don’t have to get up quite so early! Now is optimal Dipping time, through September as well. So if you want to give it a try I encourage you to book in August or September as temperatures begin to drop in October.
However, as the water gets colder, so benefits are cold water therapy are more noticeable.

Remember everyone is welcome, especially time timers who need to borrow kit and can benefit from our mindful approach 🌸

Book your tickets online. Year round dates available, including our Big Dip, New Years Day fundraiser.
👉 https://www.blossome.support/event/sunrise-dip-2-4-2/2024-08-16/

🌸

I truly believe this and that’s why it’s so important and needed to work on “The Self”.

We will always take ourselves everywhere. So no matter where you go- the self goes.

It’s absolutely okay to change people, places, and things. And sometimes that’s very needed and necessary to heal, to grow.

It’s just if we rely solely on the idea that if we change the place, the person, the job, and more… it will create happiness. It won’t.

The self is the key to happiness. ❤️‍🩹🔑

Working on self worth, core beliefs, self talk, trauma, healthy coping skills, self love, self compassion, and more is your key.

We need to find a good support system:
12 Step Group
Meeting
Coach
Therapist
Private Support Group
Chat
Doctor
Group of People Fighting for the Same Recovery
And more…

to help locate the key… because it’s already inside you.

You are your own healing and growth. 🔑

***If you need help finding a support system, please reach out.

I promise to help the best I can to navigate you to what you feel you need.

Mitchell and I would not be where we are today (individually or together), without our amazing support systems.

Whether Addict battling addiction or Family Member battling codependency, we all need a support system.

You deserve one. You’re worth it.

Find your inner calm.
We teach and practice selfcare and selfcompassion. We learn how to be present, how to regulate our own emotions, and to treat ourselves with loving kindness. We can find what we need inside of ourselves.

So when I see examples of people doing just that, it brings me great joy. 🌸

No matter what has happened in your past,
No matter what adversities you face,
You can cultivate inner peace and self love.
You just have to do the work.

Learn and practice selfcare and self compassion. Thats what we do together in the Blossome Community.
⬇️
https://www.blossome.support/self-care-community/

Finding Love 🥰
This is the theme of Walk 11 in our Walking Through Emotions series of walks. Everyone is welcome to join us.

We are quite excited for this walk, 😍 not just because we all could use a little more love in our life, but because we will pause at Julie's House, the architectural marvel by Grayson Perry. he house sits beautifully in the Wrabness countryside.

This trail is great for birding, hiking, and running, and it's unlikely we'll encounter many other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome.

This walk is of moderate difficulty as the length is 5.7 miles, however we can shorten it on the day, if it's too warm and we all feel a 2 mile route would be better. There are many trails to follow so we can easily modify to make it enjoyable for all.

As always, we are in no hurry. We pause and enjoy mindful moments along the way.

Qualified Walk Leader: Linda

Please book your free ticket so we know you are coming.
Your ticket includes refreshments.

Book your free ticket 👉 https://www.blossome.support/event/walk-11-finding-love/

Switch your muscles off.
Flop and drop.

Week 8 of our Summer Selfcare for Grieving Hearts programme gave participants the opportunity to explore restorative yoga.

Using props, we discovered what it feels like to slow down and support your body so you can allow your muscles to relax and rest… releasing tension, sinking deeper into a restorative state which is oh so healing and wonderful.

No one wanted to turn the lights on at the end. This was a beautiful session led by Tara Perlaki

If you have been affecting by someone’s suffering from alcohol or any substance misuse, reach out for support. You are not alone. Apply for a free place on our next 12-week selfcare programme.

https://www.blossome.support/12-week-self-care/

Positive Self Talk in July Day 31: Your compassion and kindness inspire me. Keep being the beautiful soul that you are.

https://vist.ly/3attp

Positive Self Talk in July Day 30: You are exactly where you’re meant to be, and I trust the journey you’re on. I’m here with you every step of the way.

https://www.blossome.support/2024/07/01/31-positive-self-talk-prompts-for-a-blossoming-july/

Positive Self Talk in July Day 29: You are worthy of the beautiful life you are creating. I believe in you, always.

https://www.blossome.support/2024/07/01/31-positive-self-talk-prompts-for-a-blossoming-july/

Positive Self Talk in July Day 28: I encourage you to cultivate a mindset of abundance and possibility. The world is your oyster.

https://www.blossome.support/2024/07/01/31-positive-self-talk-prompts-for-a-blossoming-july/

Positive Self Talk in July Day 27: I’m thankful for the lessons and growth that come from challenges. They make you stronger.

https://www.blossome.support/2024/07/01/31-positive-self-talk-prompts-for-a-blossoming-july/

Positive Self Talk in July Day 26: I see the progress you’re making towards your goals, even if it’s slow. Keep going, one step at a time.

https://vist.ly/3fw3e

Selfcompassion is the practice of being kind and loving towards ourselves when we are suffering. Families affected by a loved one’s struggle with any addiction live in chaotic and difficult circumstances and the emotions can be overwhelming.

But we can learn to respond in a kind and compassionate way towards ourselves when we are faced with these painful situations and emotions.

By learning self-compassion you can gain the self-care tools needed and the confidence to use them regularly, to enhance your innate abilities to self-regulate your emotions. You can actively cultivate the positive emotional states that are so important for your own health, wellbeing and quality of life - no matter what is happening around you.

In this video we hear Dr Maya Campbell talk about what selfcompassion is. 🌸

https://youtu.be/hG6C3snpoLE?si=o58PGW6tOiLktWXZ

Positive Self Talk in July Day 25: I’m proud of you for embracing your imperfections. They make you who you are.

https://vist.ly/3fqe8

Forest Bathing led by Gina Geremia, Nature Therapist from Adaptable By Design
Week 7 of the Summer Selfcare Programme

We had a glorious experience, moving at the pace of nature. It couldn’t have been more perfect with a fox joining us at one of our circles, a muntjac deer, and a rabbit. I think we all felt like Cinderella in those moments as the animals came to join us.

The session was beautifully curated, showing us all how nature can support our selfcare, helping us all to slow down, to breathe and to find connection with nature. A beautiful moment was shared as we collectively wrote about our experience, followed by a tea ceremony.
….

Time stopped in that enchanted wood.

Freedom touched me.

And with it came a transcendent experience,

where creature met the creature in me, and recognised itself.

And new eyes met dusk and love.

Discovering the wonders of nature and my inner soul.

How lucky am I to be here, my senses connecting with all around.

Ancient forest, where ancient feet once trod.

The light and life shines upon your green growth,

and welcomes you as you are.

Nature allows us to breathe,
To be,
And promises we will rise again, renewed. 🌸

…..,

Written collectively by the participants in the Summer selfcare programme 23rd July 2024❤️

Positive Self Talk in July Day 24: You are in control of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. I trust your ability to navigate this life.

https://vist.ly/3fidk

Positive Self Talk in July Day 23: You, my dear, are deserving of love, both from others and from yourself. Never forget that.

https://vist.ly/3fcga

Positive Self Talk in July Day 22: Together, we are creating a life filled with joy, purpose, and meaning. What a beautiful journey.

https://vist.ly/3f6ff

Today’s walk, Finding Inspiration at Shingle Street Suffolk, a remote coastline. 🥰 This was a gorgeous walk, thanks to Nick Barlow our walk leader who planned this one for us.

When we came up from the Bawdsey car park and saw the water, it was breathtaking, so unexpected. As we headed towards Shingle Street, we walked on the beach, the shingle shifting under our feet with each step. There was much to see, the sea cabbage, shingle, soft pebbles, sea glass, crabs, fishermen, people sitting in chairs .. all of us just taking in the beauty around us. We eventually came upon the beautiful shell line that connects the sea with the houses.

We met a man named Tim who has lived there his whole life. He shared some stories and a facinating bit of trivia that the German Ocean was the usual name for the North Sea up until 1914. Nick shared some history with us about the legends of the German invasion. There’s just so much to explore.

The smiling Martello tower was a lovely sight as we made our way back, ending our 4.6 mile walk.

I forgot the cups for tea so we ventured to Bawdsey Quay where we sat on the balcony watching the boats as we had our tea and scones .

This was a fabulous walk. Each walk offers something different, a new emotion and landscape to explore.

Join us for the next one, Finding Amusement, where we will walk from Holland on Sea to Clacton.

Positive Self Talk in July Day 21: I’m in awe of your unique talents and abilities. You are a gift to this world.

https://vist.ly/3e2jg

Still thinking about coming for a walk tomorrow? Please book your ticket so we know to wait for you.
🌸

Who would like to go on a coastal walk tomorrow?
We are venturing to Shingle Street, Suffolk for our next walk - Finding Inspirstion.

There is a beautiful shell line. Come along to discover the story and to create some inner calm.

Our walks are an opportunity to feel good emotions, to breathe and to find the spaciousness that’s insode of us.

🌸The walk is free
🌸refreshments provided
🌸 carpooling can be arranged

Have questions? Get in touch if you’d like to come along and please book onto the walk so we know you are coming.

Book your free space 👉 https://www.blossome.support/event/walk-10-finding-inspiration/

We are in Lawford this morning looking forward to sharing a lovely self care practice with everyone that comes along to this helpful event.

We all have questions that we are afraid or embarrassed to ask. This is a safe supportive space to ask them.

Pop in. It could really help. 🌸
Thanks to The Colte Partnership for organising these helpful pop up sessions 🥰

Who would like to go on a coastal walk tomorrow?
We are venturing to Shingle Street, Suffolk for our next walk - Finding Inspirstion.

There is a beautiful shell line. Come along to discover the story and to create some inner calm.

Our walks are an opportunity to feel good emotions, to breathe and to find the spaciousness that’s insode of us.

🌸The walk is free
🌸refreshments provided
🌸 carpooling can be arranged

Have questions? Get in touch if you’d like to come along and please book onto the walk so we know you are coming.

Book your free space 👉 https://www.blossome.support/event/walk-10-finding-inspiration/

Positive Self Talk in July Day 20: You deserve rest, relaxation, and self-care. Make sure to tend to your needs.

https://vist.ly/3ewza

Positive Self Talk in July Day 19: The positive difference you make in the world around you is truly inspiring. Keep shining your light.

https://vist.ly/3erth

We were treated to a gorgeous sunrise and a calm sea this morning. Every sunrise is always different, a gift. Today’s gift surfaced from the sea.. and stretched its way into the sky.

Once again everyone had made their way home before 7am, ready to start their day feeling calm, at peace with a clear head to manage whatever life sends our way .

1 Volunteer
1 First time dipper
3 Returning dippers

Everyone is welcome on our sunrise dips. All profit from ticket sales goes to funding dips and programmes for people affected by someone else’s alcohol or any substance misuse. 🙏

If you’d like to book a private event for your own group, we are happy to
So so providing you have a minimum of 6 people.

The next open dip with be the first Sunday 4th August. Book 👉 https://www.blossome.support/event/sunrise-dip-2-4-2/2024-08-04/