Jenny's Story

When I first joined Women & Work I was at a loss really. I had very low self esteem after a long negative relationship. Joining the Interpersonal Skills course with Avril Francome was a real eye opener for me. I learned that I am an important, valued and special person. I hadn't felt like that for many years to be honest. I had always put myself at the bottom of the priority list in life. My strength as a person had been sapped out of me over time without me even being very conscious or aware of it. With always meeting my children's needs and that of others, I had sadly forgotten about myself as an individual. Very much like getting lost at sea, drifting on a raft. As I have always classed myself as a caring person to others, I've had to learn to think of caring for myself. That proverbial tub of 'Mothers Spread' had left only enough to cover one slice of bread for me after sharing it out to the rest. I know this is a crazy way of describing things but I tend to see situations in this bizarre, picturesque form. I'm sane really, although they do say after each consecutive pregnancy you do tend to lose more brain cells!

Seriously though, getting back to the subject at hand. Since my younger daughter has been at full time school I have realised that I need to start sorting out my own life and future. I haven't had any sense of direction or purpose. I now understand that I am in control of this and only 'I' can make changes for the better for me and my family. I had my older children as a young teenager first time round and I am only just now starting to go out and explore the real world outside. Meeting other mums on various courses at Women & Work made me see that there are so many others like me in the same position. We share experiences, have hugs and sometimes even tears on each others shoulders. It's a great healing therapy and I have seen that I'm not alone. All the staff at Women & Work are so supportive and friendly and I thank them greatly for that.

'The only way is up' is the phrase I will be carrying with me from now on. Women & Work inspire individuals to realise their full potential which can be a great personal revelation. Although my personal journey that I am still taking can be quite scary and out of my 'comfort zone', I know that I can turn to the friends and staff at Women & Work for support and guidance.

Thanks to everyone,

Jenny x