January tends to have a bit of a bad reputation for being cold, dark and gloomy. The sparkle of Christmas is a faint memory, and the new life of springtime seems a very long way away. The sun rises late and sets early, and we are tempted to hide ourselves away and go into hibernation. Recovery from mental illness can sometimes feel like the slow crawl through January, wondering when the brighter days will come.
Residents of Ashwell Lodge have used this fallow time of year to reflect on their progress, move on from old habits, and take first steps on exciting new journeys. We hope you can take some inspiration from their achievements!
- One person has started a new volunteering role and is working hard gardening every week.
- A very creative person has entered a writing competition – fingers crossed!
- Following an enormous de-clutter and room rearrange, someone is enjoying a fresh new space.
- Someone has just finished a filmmaking course, watch out Cannes!
- A group of residents have started a weekly trip to feed the goats on the clifftop (they like head scratches and parsnips!)
- Someone has enjoyed a glam new look after an afternoon of haircare and a restyle.
- The Secret Garden volunteering gang are back out in the garden busy preparing the ground to grow fruit and vegetables.
