‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’
A vital part of our Pit Stop Social gatherings is the ‘check-in’. This is where everyone in the room gets to say how they are doing (folk have the right to ‘pass’ if they don’t wish to share) in a non-judgemental setting. It provides a space for men to be their authentic selves and is, in my opinion, a beautiful thing to witness.
At last week’s Norwich gathering Pit Stop member Ian read out some thoughts he wished to share with the group about the impact of being part of the MensCraft community, and he has given me permission to share this with you here:
‘I just wanted to say a few words to every single person in this room, and also to those that are not here. As I said last week, I had a job interview and I’m very pleased to say, I was offered the job and accepted it. I’ll be starting in mid-March. I’m very much intending to be here each Tuesday until the job starts. I’m also hoping to still go to Paul’s Bozos on the Bus (mindfulness, emotional resilience) group on the first Monday evening of each month, as it really does help.
ABSOLUTELY none of this would have been possible before I started coming to this group. I’d advise newcomers to stick with it, even though it was very tough to being with. I’ve never attended such a brilliant and inspirational group in my life and I’ll miss you all very much. I class every person in this group as my friend and always will do.
And last, but not least, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the staff who work tirelessly and all do such an amazing job. Each and everyone of you are very supportive and very, very understanding… RESPECT! Like I said before, I’ll still be around until I start the job, but if it wasn’t for all you people I wouldn’t even have been able to contemplate going back to work!!
I really hope you all stay well and manage to stay strong in them tough and rocky times.
My friends,
Ian’
Thank you so much Ian for such heartfelt and generous testimony. On a personal level, I felt very moved by your words – not least, because, having been alongside you for this part of your recovery ‘journey’ I have witnessed, with huge respect, the way you have turned to face some of your ‘demons’, feeling the fear but doing it anyway. As my colleague Paul Heywood would put it, you are transforming your relationship with yourself and, therefore, with everyone else around you, for the better (a ‘Growth Mindset’). In the language of the Pit Stop, you have lifted the bonnet and allowed your Pit Crew to see the engine – the authentic you – and in so doing, together we are all enriched.
It also seems to me that your testimony validates the definition of a Pit Stop we developed (in consultation with our members) a couple of years back. Namely:
‘The Pit Stop brings men together through informal activities and conversation to build social connection, friendship and a sense of belonging’
Colin Howey
Norwich Pit Stop Coordinator
MensCraft
The Norwich Pit Stop Social takes place every Tuesday and is currently hosted at Chantry Hall (Chantry Road) in central Norwich, 2:30-4:30pm. For any enquiries about our Norwich-based Pit Stop activities, please email Colin Howey via: colin@1136789091.n79310.test.prositehosting.co.uk
If you are interested in finding out more about our Bozos on the Bus group please email Paul Heywood: paul@1136789091.n79310.test.prositehosting.co.uk
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