What brought you to The Thrive Programme?

I was in a rut not happy in my personal relationship and work was mundane and un-challenging. I felt constantly exhausted suffering from insomnia and had low self-esteem.

So how did you get on with doing Thrive?

I found the program well set out with the manual that accompanied it easy to read and I thought that the hour long sessions and six sessions was about right for me to have the knowledge and tools to go out and practise the exercises

What did you get out of going through The Thrive Programme?

An understanding that I alone could change the way I looked at situations and decide how I was going to direct my thoughts, beliefs to make me react in the most positive way to challenges if the situation could have been negative, to appreciate if the situation looks good and to recognise and remember why it is and take that forward, note it, park it.

Was there a core thing within the course that stood out for you?

Recognizing how reliant I was on external controls rather than having the confidence to look internally and having the inner belief to change my thought processes.

Did you enjoy the experience? Did the Thrive Programme consultant help?

Yes I did I found the whole exercise worthwhile and I’d like to think I struck up a good rapport with Fiona my consultant

What surprised you?

How quickly she got me in that I was a total stranger and she seemed to identify without too much prompting from myself how low my self esteem was and encouraging me through the exercises to reduce the external controls and increase the internal ones

Does The Thrive Programme work?

For me two major events have happened since I met with Fiona. A break up of an unhappy relationship and terminating a job where again I was for the most part unhappy. The fact that I am here approaching 48 years old seemingly feeling stronger in body and mind, actually feel like I am walking taller, smiling more, engaging more and open to so many new possibilities as to where my life may lead I think is a good enough endorsement. I’m not sure the Paul Turner of say early to mid 40s would have reacted quite so positively

How would you say your life has changed going through the course?

Self belief, self worth, lighter, fresher, more energised, more welcoming to new adventures, happier within myself, recognising myself, embracing aspects from the past that I have previously been ashamed, embarrassed about and acknowledging they are a part of me. Knowing what works for me and what doesn’t is really important now. Can sometimes relapse but have to tools now to get through the downs and doubts and know I will come through

What’s next?

I’m on a personal sabbatical now after 30 years in a job. I’ve a fresh perspective on life and looking forward to the challenges this new phase will bring. I want to make sure that I keep my Thrive up and polishing my skills but most of all I just want to get on with life and enjoy it.