What became abundantly clear as we engaged in the creation of this series of programmes with Stuy Wilson of ZestLife Therapeutic Services – was that being proactive and affirming in our attitude to life, has profound and long lasting impact upon our current life and upon the outcomes of our life’s journey.
Speaking subsequently with Counsellor Isla Jeffers (a regular contributor to Family.ie), and Consultant Trainer – Jackie O’Regan – it is beyond any doubt that the choices of attitude to life that we take – has consequences
The Power of Encouragement – is a summary of those discussions. It captures some compelling stories that were life changing, some good clinical research (RCSI), and a good deal of value from life lived well, that we can all learn from. Do join us as our own Stephen Cardy discusses some of life’s challenges with Stuy, Isla and Jackie, and hear what they have to advise listeners on how they can gain from The Power of Encouragement – especially when you are the one providing the encouragement!
This is a summary of the content of the five programmes
In Episode 1 – “Believing in yourself – a passion for life! ” In it – Stuy speaks about his background and what has influenced his life choices and passions, from early on.
The Programme includes
- Stuy’s background in the development of his career – including the journey to the creation of ZestLife with his wife Magi, and the value of passion for life!.
- His experience in sports (where he played for a number of years for Leinster rugby) and the impact of leadership (humble and otherwise) and how this effected his performance
- With input from Isla and Jackie – we discuss some research on talent development, self belief, and the benefits of community of health and ageing
In Episode 2 – “Motivation & belief – Can be profoundly enhanced by another person ‘believing’ in you” – Stuy unpacks some of his most valuable life lessons, some of which were gained on the sports field and tells a compelling story of the motivating power of a teachers’ words to him about his potential.
The Programme includes
- The impact of team-mates on motivation and commitment to a cause or purpose (also commented upon by Isla and Jackie)
- The value of involvement with others and the benefits of being part of a team of likeminded individuals
- The impact and power of positive comments from a teacher (when negative comments might have been expected) – encouraging Stuy to raise his game, as somebody believed in him and his potential and this motivated his to rise to the challenge, ultimately changing the course of his life and outcomes (on several fronts)
In Episode 3 – “The Significance of Affirmation” – The conversation continues about the significance and impact of affirming words by a school teacher to Stuy when he was a developing adolescent.
The Programme includes
- The impact of words by a person of influence
- Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) Survey of the impact on carers – of a life of ‘giving’ themselves. Lessons that can be learned
- The choice any of us can make regarding our attitude to others – are we willing to be ‘that’ (positive) teacher, or will be become the alternate (not good!)
In Episode 4 – “Minding yourself. Reaching out to others is invaluable” – We continue the conversation with Stuy about the RCSI study showing the 75% burnout rate of carers and steps we can take to avoid being such a casualty .
The Programme includes
- Burnout and self-care and the need to walk in life with great care and self-awareness and accountability
- Being self-aware and taking care – does matter
- Setting priorities to maintain your effectiveness
- Raising our focus to care for others (as did an elderly lady who baked a cake for others (her neighbours during Covid) – is good for our mental health and wellbeing
In Episode 5 – “Express your Appreciation of others – to others” – Life presents us with both opportunities and challenges. Our attitude has a defining bearing on whether we approach life positively or negatively. It has implications for our life are already stated.
The Programme includes
- An exhortation to take on board the lesson of the lady who baked the cake and blessed others and in the process was thoroughly blessed herself
- An exhortation from Stuy to express your appreciation to others – then you won’t have regrets – but will have great memories!
- Being intentional in our Priorities and with our gratitude – has profound implications for our life and the outcomes of life’s journey for us – Don’t waste your life! Make good choices ….
