August 2019 - It was a gloriously sunny day In Greece. I was sat poolside on a lounger at our hotel. At this moment I realised that there was something wrong. A line from a book that simply stated 'if you want to make real profound change then you need to make real, profound changes', was the catalyst. The basic premise is this. If you feel sick you look at what caused it. Two bars of chocolate. Ok, what caused that? Rushing around, no time to eat, feeling like a headless chicken. Ok, what caused that? An argument with your wife that ate into any breakfast time that you could possibly muster. Ok, what caused that? I think you get the idea! The book promotes extreme changes, like altering friendship groups, family relationships, or working partnerships. For most of that ‘relaxing’ holiday, I’d been on edge and stressed. What caused that? It wasn’t two bars of chocolate. Truthfully, it was the thing I’d protected and kept closest to me for over a decade. My working environment. Something needed to change!
Then, everything changed. COVID-19 struck.
Fast forward to January the 15th 2022. I know, where on earth did that time go? Driving on the M6, with my daughter in the back of the car, a fairly minor collision resulted in a catastrophic change in our lives - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). My 9-year-old daughter developed a condition that completely turned her life upside down. She was unable to walk on her left leg, was in pain for the duration of the day, and experienced unbearable, chronic pain every single night. As we embarked on the arduous journey of seeking a diagnosis and proper care, it became apparent that our healthcare system harboured significant flaws. While our experiences could fill an entire blog or perhaps even a novel, the details are secondary to the essence of this story.
From 2019 onward, I had begun a slow and relentless descent into an inescapable and unforgiving quicksand pit. Unbeknownst to me, a pair of feet were ceaselessly pogoing on my square-shaped head, encouraging a more intense, rapid decline, and making it impossible to re-emerge. My life wasn’t moving smoothly anymore. Something that had plagued me for many years, mental health, was back at the forefront, and it only needed one more thing to tip me over the edge. Cue the accident. Emmie, my daughter, is the bravest, kindest, most thoughtful person I’ve ever met. I knew this, we all know this about our children, but it was confirmed following the events of Jan ‘22. My wife and son, are also incredible. I know that without them, I would have imploded, and I wouldn't be writing this blog.
With any change, it’s always useful to have a mantra, or, an exciting reason for orchestrating said change, a reason that is meaningful and purposeful. When it’s something as big as changing your identity, in one way or another, then the mantra is usually there, smack-bang in front of your face. Was it - 'I want to change the NHS'? No. Was it - 'I want to be famous'? No. 'Rich'? No. 'Joe Wic….'? Definitely not! I suppose, my mantra was this. It’s always been this - ‘Help people, who can’t help themselves, in the best way I can’. That doesn’t have to be healthcare or the police force. It could be customer service or sales. In my story, it was healthcare, occupational therapy (OT) in particular. The reason being that OT ties in perfectly with my holistic approach to health and wellness. It involved looking beyond the condition and seeing the person as a whole.
If the book served as the catalyst, the accident endowed me with a purpose, but I still needed something else, a final push. That impetus arrived in March '22. While I cherished my work as a personal trainer, business owner and mentor, working with exceptional trainers from all over the UK, circumstances following a meeting in March necessitated a drastic change. Correction, it provided the final nudge I required.
'So, where do I go from here? I want to be an occupational therapist. There must be someone I can call and then just be one, right?'. Nope - It’s a three-year degree and If I didn’t get on the course in a couple of months' time, I’d have to wait another year. And, I was 40 years old, with a young family to support. Long story short, I confronted the realisation that none of the aforementioned factors truly carried substantial significance, and, along with the stars aligning, and the support of the NHS learning programme, I signed up for the degree and started my journey to becoming an OT.
Now, as I reflect upon the completion of my first year, a sense of fulfilment washes over me. The content of the course has captivated my intellect, immersing me in a world of knowledge and skill development. Furthermore, my initial six-week placement experience has been invaluable, allowing me to witness the transformative power of occupational therapy firsthand. I am also grateful for the ability to continue training my wonderful clients, striking a harmonious balance between my passion for fitness and my burgeoning career in health and wellness.
Of course, this journey has not been without its challenges. Navigating the dynamic classroom environment has been a test of adaptability, stretching me to embrace change and surmount obstacles. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of adjustments and trials, I am fortified by two secret weapons that empower me every step of the way: a remarkable support network and the most exceptional mentor one could ever hope for, my daughter, Emmie.
In conclusion, my personal journey through change has taught me a profound lesson: it's not always a meticulously planned strategy that propels us forward, but rather the ability to recognise the moments that serve as catalysts, purposes, and final nudges along our path. For me, a single line from a book ignited the catalyst, sparking a deep longing for profound change. Yet, it was the purpose that emerged through the challenges my daughter faced that clarified my direction. The final nudge, an unexpected push, propelled me towards embracing my true calling.
While a rigid strategy may provide a sense of control, the most important lesson lies in recognising the transformative moments as they present themselves. It is in these instances that we must listen to the whispers of our hearts and summon the courage to take that leap of faith. So, as you embark on your own journey of change, remember that the path may not always follow a predetermined plan. Instead, focus on cultivating self-awareness and an openness to the possibilities that unfold before you. Embrace the catalysts, honour the purpose that resonates within you, and allow the final nudge to guide you towards the life you envision. Oh, and make sure you find yourself a 10-year-old mentor!
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