End of an era

Posted Thursday 31 May 2012

The time has come for some major changes to take place in my life, to allow for new things to happen and for me to grow and follow the path that is laid before me. University is fast approaching and I know that I am going to need time to settle into the new life and to make this really work for me.

I realised some time ago that I have been battling to stay afloat with the college, study, working for my local Mind, national Mind and local YMCA.  As well as maintaining my mental health while learning about staying in a happy mood and having a level playing field.

There have been times when the voices within have been telling me that I need to stop and take a breather, but I know what I am like. Once I agree to help someone then I will always endeavour to complete the task, forgetting to look after myself and taking the risk of getting ill. 

I know that I must find a healthy work - life balance to remain ‘sane’, as a friend once told me:

Everything in moderation, including moderation.

These are true words that should be followed with everything that you tackle in your life, even chocolate apparently.

I feel friendships have been sacrificed and possibly lost because of my commitments  to work and study, and forgetting that I am allowed to have fun every now and then.  

This must change, so that I can enjoy life and see it for what it truly is, not reading about what’s going on through books and the internet.

Life passes you by when you don’t realise it, another friend spoke of losing the friendships I have:

While you've got your head stuck in books, life carries on without you.

When you stop reading you'll look around you and you'll see no one there.

Take time for yourself and breathe. Make sure you keep in touch with your friends.

I need to take this advice seriously and get in touch with people that I have lost in the process of making dreams come true.  You have my permission to slap me if I don’t follow my word.

So the changes that are being made include reducing three part time jobs, as well as other changes that I won’t go into detail here.  This is so hard for me to do as I am leaving behind one of the jobs that I enjoy the most.  Well, not completely leaving behind, as I know I have left an imprint, as have they, and I will continue to help out help out wherever I can.

Those of you who know me well, know how much I value and appreciate the help and support that Mind has offered me and how much I love working for them. Though come September, once university starts, I am unable to continue with my most loved role with them – as a Peer Reviewer on the Quality Team.

The role has opened up so many opportunities and allowed me to see so many different ways of helping someone with mental ill health. I’ve seen Ecominds, Rural Minds, City Minds and engaged with service users who truly believe that Mind saved their life – and I know from my own experience that they are right. Mind has saved many people’s lives.

I understand now more than ever the importance of their being and how they touch on so many people’s lives. At times I don’t think Mind really sees how they do touch people’s lives and I would love for them to be able to realise their worth. It is something that my words alone cannot capture, something that everyone needs to stand up and shout about.

To all of you people out there that have been touched by Mind, please shout out and let them know how they have helped you. By twitter, facebook, even shout it out to Ele… let them know.

While I have always thanked Mind for helping me in my darkest times, and I have strived to repay my thanks with the work that I have done over the last few years. I will always be in their debt and I will always help out wherever I can. 

Thank you Mind for everything you have done for me.  You haven’t quite got rid of me yet, not only am I going to stick around and chip in where I can - you have my face all over your publications!

Tracey

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2 Comments

• tracey wheeler replied on 31 May 2012 at 16:27

  thats so lovely and very heartfelt, thank you for helping to make mind better for all of us that uses them.
  good luck tracey
  be kind to yourself
  tracey wheeler

• Tracey Pallett replied on 31 May 2012 at 16:46

  Thank you for your kind comments Tracey.

  I feel I have learned so much from and about Mind. From my travels to local Minds, I know that all their service users have benefited from the services provided. I also have received feedback from users of national Mind services - they too have been nothing but positive.

  I'm sure Mind's work will continue to be great and help so many people, especially in this dark phase we are all going through.

  Now that I have learned to look after myself, I will endeavour to stay well and happy with myself.

  I hope that you are able to stay well and that you do love yourself the way you deserve.

  Big hugs x