Kia ora, my name is Kelly.
I live in Wellington, New Zealand with my small whānau: Joe (partner), Ted (2-year-old loveable menace) and Alfie (3-year-old Tibetan Terrier). I come from Auckland and Waikato, and have whānau all over the world including Melbourne, Kawerau, Tauranga, Onewhero, Putaruru, New Plymouth and Canterbury.
I have been working on my mental health for what seems like my entire life. I have complex diagnoses, and am forever grateful to live in a time where medication is available to me. I'm privileged to be able to access this care when I know so many aren't.
When I'm not harping on about self-care been more than a bubble bath, I'm walking our very energetic dog, looking after my darling son, attempting to get some time with my partner (we aim for quality over quantity). My day job is in the public sector and I have to have two coffees to kickstart the day (usually an iced latte).
About Kōura
POWER is from a skill that I learned in therapy that I've adapted to make it resonate for me. The idea is that there are five things I need to do everyday in order to feel well and good in myself. Those things are:
- Physical
- One good thing
- Watch yourself
- Eat what nourishes
- Rest
I know that if I do these things, I'll be a long way towards managing my mental health.
It's not always easy! There are days where I put on activewear and think that's enough. There are days where I want to stay in bed all day and do absolutely nothing. Those days are fine. Self-care is often self-preservation and if all you can do is stay in bed, that's fine. It's just that I know that I can't do that everyday.
In it's simplest form, POWER is about finding what works for you and building that into a routine that helps you create wellbeing and self-care habits.
