My Reflections on WRAP and HOPE

Here is a poem that I wrote after I completed my 2 day day level 1 WRAP back in 2011.  Please remember that there is HOPE even when it feels like there is none
JUST FOR TODAY I NEED YOU TO KNOW...
Just for today I need you to know yesterday doesn't matter
Just for today please don't worry about tommorrow
Just for today believe that things can and will change
Just for today please believe that I believe in you - and you believe in me
Please - just for today, leave the past in the past and look to the future
AND TOMMORROW -
Don't forget the past - acknowledge it - but go gently on yourself
Dont see mistakes as failure
See FAIL as First Attempt In Learning
If you can only look backwards and not forwards,
I will look forward for you - with you - lets do it together
Lets believe that things can and will change - even just for today
TOMMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY
Copyright Donna Barrowman 2011

HOPE - First Key Concept of WRAP

Taking time to explore the first key concept of WRAP - HOPE. Here is what HOPE means to my WRAP co-facilitator the lovely Gillian.  "For me HOPE is the light that I see when all around me is dark, its what keeps me going when the world collapses on top of me. It is love, life, joy, opportunity, belief, control and the future. It is living life without limits letting no-one else define me. It is for me the belief that things will get better and that I am not alone."
HOPE is essential for recovery - even just a tiny spark of HOPE. In my job I commit to spreading HOPE every day, and sometimes I take the responsibility of holding HOPE for others when they are unable to do so for themselves.
Remember and follow me on TWITTER, @wrap_scotland and use #MacWrap to learn more about WRAP

A little bit more about WRAP

WRAP - Wellness Recovery Action Planning is a wellness tool. It was devised in America by Mary Ellen Copeland - http://www.mentalhealthrecovery.com/ WRAP changed my life - and I mean that. WRAP gave me a tool that enabled me to take control of my life when there were so many things outwith my control. And most importantly it gave me HOPE that things didn't always have to be the way they were. So thats why I am passionate about WRAP and why I want to spread the word about it. I am lucky to have had the privilege of becoming a trained WRAP facilitator through Scottish Recovery Network www.scottishrecovery.net WRAP is best done in a group setting with trained facilitators. This way there is complete unconditional regard for everyone in the group - and also natural peer support occurs. Peer support has proven to be invaluable in aiding recovery. So keep following me @wrap_scotland for  a Twitter introduction to WRAP starting with the 5 key concepts - what Mary Ellen identified as the building blocks - the first paving stones on the road to recovery. Follow #MacWrap on Twitter for updates. First update - what is HOPE and why is it important. Feel free to contribute

Welcome to my #MacWRAP Blogspot - Learn about Wellness Recovery Action Planning

Hi and thanks for taking the time to visit my blog.  This blog will be a way for me to help spread the word about Wellness Recovery Action Planning, or WRAP as its better known.  I was introduced to WRAP about 4 years ago and immediately saw the benefits that this self management tool could bring to me.  After using it myself for a few years I was delighted to be given the opprtunity via Scottish Recovery Network to become a WRAP Facilitator.  I have now been facilitating WRAP for 16 months (as of June 2013) , and it continues to change my life.  Over the coming weeks I will introduce you to WRAP and share with you my own refelctions on WRAP.  I will also share the many reflections of people who have participated in WRAP - and how they feel it has helped them.  In the meantime you can read more about WRAP here in Scotland via Scottish Recovery Network - www.scottishrecovery.net  
See you soon :)