Taking up the opportunities available to you

Read the latest issue of Care Matters around taking up opportunities to live a fuller life.

OPPORTUNITY. We all love that word. It inspires hope, as well as a wish to make our lives better. 

Days pass by and before you know it weeks and months have gone. We look back at what we have achieved and completed, then think of missed opportunities, and plan the same goal next week or next year.

We all think about opportunities, but aren’t necessarily ready to take the risks by ourselves. Sometimes we haven’t even thought about doing something until someone or some event prompts us.

There are services out there in the community to support your ambitions to live a fuller life if you have health issues. Daily visits can include support to visit the seaside, local attractions or even down to the local library or local clubs in your area. You don’t have to do it alone. 

Sometimes it can take months to gather the courage to go for it, sometimes only a matter of seconds, and it can be scary, but you can talk to family and friends first.

To achieve anything in life, we need to take a chance. Of course by taking chances, anything can happen. You might fall, get hurt, or be embarrassed, but what if you could experience something that is completely mind-blowing and changes your life forever?

Getting out and about gives you a sense of belonging and achievement. This will help you to maintain good mental health. 

Mental health isn't just the absence of mental health problems. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression, anxiety or other psychological issues.

Mental health refers to the presence of positive characteristics. A sense of contentment, a zest for living and the ability to laugh and have fun. The ability to deal with stress and bounce back from adversity.

A sense of meaning and purpose, in both their activities and their relationships. The flexibility to learn new things and adapt to change. A balance between work and play, rest and activity, the ability to build and maintain fulfilling relationships. And overall self-confidence and high self-esteem.

So the next time someone offers you the opportunity to go out or attend a social event but you are reluctant, stop and think. Your usual answer is “No”, but what if this time you say “Yes”? This time, go forth with the intention to learn, to experience, to enjoy.