A Positive Twist

I have a history of bipolar disorder. Remaining positive is a huge part of what helps me to stay balanced on my recovery journey.

About two years ago, I was in the process of making a change in my life for the better. I expressed an interest to the MHA about doing more for the mental health community in order to help myself be more positive and surround myself with positive people. They suggested that I connect with their Creative Wellness Opportunities (CWO) because workshops and groups at CWO are created and given by peers for peers.  There, I found a positive sense of community and have been a peer facilitator of workshops ever since. I get a boost every day I walk into our program because of all the sweet people greeting me with enthusiasm.

I started out at Creative Wellness Opportunities by facilitating a workshop that I created called “A Positive Twist.” In the workshop we discuss well-being topics that I pick out especially for the group and create works of art related to what we discuss. The creations never cease to amaze me or any of the other participants. They all have so much meaning behind them.

About a year after I began facilitating A Positive Twist, I was asked to substitute for the Mindfulness workshop for a day. I loved it so much that I asked if I could start facilitating it for a trial run. This proposal was well received, and I have since made the workshop my responsibility too. There is a very steady number of participants in the workshop now and the positive feedback I receive on a weekly basis increases my confidence greatly.

To help me stay busy, motivated and well, I also teach, train and present about mental health and recovery at NAMI Rochester. Additionally, I have great supportive friends; many of whom I met at CWO. My life has definitely taken on a positive twist since discovering and connecting with Creative Wellness Opportunities. I look forward to continuing my affiliation long into the future as I share my wellness journey with others.

-Loekie Windig