Bloom & The Gang; Poppy’s Story
Poppy came to her first Bloom session through our connections with the local women’s refuge. In this blog, she talks about how creating connections has supported her to invest in herself.
Photo by Helena Dolby
I became involved with Bloom through the local women’s refuge. I was doing art therapy at the time and I was contacted and asked if I’d be interested in attending.
I have a background in floristry which of course feeds into my interest in Bloom. But since being in the refuge, I’ve started to invest in myself and put myself first, so that I can be a better person for myself and for those around me. Attending Bloom sessions really feeds into that - allowing myself time to do something for me.
A safe space
My anxiety comes and goes but the amount of time and effort the Bloom team has invested in me and my wellbeing has shown me that it’s a safe space from the very beginning. I feel comfortable saying ‘no’ if I don’t feel up to doing a particular activity and there’s never any pressure.
At the beginning of my journey with Bloom this was essential and so important. It really put my mind at ease, knowing that this wasn’t a pressurised group and I had the support and help I needed, if and when I needed it.
Getting stuck in
As I’m sure many would attest to, the brew, chat and a biscuit at the start of the session is invaluable. But really, I love the whole experience.
From digging to seeing the flowers bloom, I love seeing what we’ve planted grow and transform. I get such a sense of achievement. It makes me feel connected with my roots and when I had my own business. It allows me to reflect on those happy times.
In those moments I forget about my problems because I’m concentrating on the task at hand - digging, weeding, whatever that is. All the other problems are put in a box and saved for later, where they hopefully don’t feel as big and daunting. This is my time to live in the moment.
Turning a corner
Photo by Helena Dolby
I was a bit anxious when I first came to Bloom, as I think most people are with new situations. My self-esteem was low from personal experiences, being told that I was in the wrong for so long. But meeting other people from similar backgrounds made me feel validated and seen. That I was in the right and my feelings are valid. I’ve found some lovely people at Bloom and the whole supportive experience meant it didn’t take me too long to settle in.
It’s a big achievement to make that first step and it’s not to be underestimated. You might be thinking ‘are people going to judge me?’ or ‘what will people think of me?’ but from the very beginning those anxieties were listened to, acknowledged and supported, meaning there was no pressure even before I turned up.
That safe space to be myself has extended and continued alongside my involvement with Bloom. There’s never any pressure on me to attend if I can’t, and that’s a massive weight off me from a perspective of guilt.
You’re not alone
I’ve been through really challenging times and still suffer from guilt. But as soon as I’m at Bloom, surrounded by others who have gone through similar situations, who understand my position a bit more, I feel comforted.
I don’t feel judged or like the odd one out. Although it’s really sad to know that others have been through similar situations, we can support each other when we’re having bad days. We don’t necessarily know each other but Bloom creates and supports that connection between us.
If you’d like to know more about our gardening groups and what we offer at Bloom, you can read about them and sign up here.