I’m not hiding anymore.

Lindsey came into the 12-week winter self-care programme at a point of seasonal and emotional vulnerability. The new year felt daunting: dark nights, cold weather and the emotional aftermath of Christmas contributed to a sense of dread. Having previously taken part in Blossome’s Cultivating Self-Compassion course, she arrived with trust that the programme would offer something meaningful. Even so, her life circumstances remained extremely difficult, particularly in relation to her son’s mental illness, hospitalisation, previous imprisonment, addiction and the emotional toll this had taken on her and her family.

Before engaging with Blossome, Lindsey described self-care as something she knew about but did not prioritise. It sat “on the back burner” while she placed her son’s needs above her own. Her identity as a mother and carer had become entangled with self-sacrifice: she felt she had to give everything, “whatever it does to me.” This had left her vulnerable to despair, guilt, exhaustion and hopelessness. At her lowest, she described feeling that there was no way out of the agony.

Through the winter self-care programme, Lindsey developed a very different relationship with self-care. She described the programme as “empowering” and as giving her more control over her life. Importantly, she did not experience self-care as removing pain or heartache. Rather, it gave her ways to live alongside ongoing distress without being consumed by it. She now sees self-care as a toolkit she can return to when she feels low, fearful, overwhelmed or at risk of losing hope.

The most significant shift appears to be that self-care has become daily and preventative. Lindsey now journals every day, sometimes twice a day. Her journaling includes difficult emotions such as anger, frustration and fear, but also gratitude, positive moments, intentions and reminders to practise self-compassion. She uses intentional breathing most days, meditates in short moments, draws images in her journal, and uses supporting soothing touch at night. These practices help her regulate distress before it escalates into despair.

The programme also supported Lindsey to create healthier boundaries with her son. Rather than giving endlessly, she now protects time and energy for herself, her husband and her home life. This has not made her less caring; in fact, she describes herself as a better mother and carer because she is calmer, stronger and less overwhelmed. Her self-care has also rippled outward. She has talked to her son about looking after himself, and he has begun journaling too. Lindsey is able to stay steadier when he has bad days, reminding herself that difficult moments can pass.

A core emotional change in Lindsey’s account is her relationship with guilt. She continues to struggle with the belief that she was a “terrible mum” or that she is responsible for her son’s suffering. However, she now has a more compassionate way of responding to these thoughts. She reminds herself that she loves her children deeply, that she has done the best she can, and that no mother can do more than offer care, love and support within human limits. This suggests that self-compassion has not erased guilt, but has given Lindsey a way to meet guilt with more kindness and perspective.

The group setting was also important. Lindsey initially worried about embarrassment, looking foolish or doing something wrong. Over time, the group became a place of trust, empathy and shared humanity. She valued being with others who were also suffering in different ways. This helped reduce isolation and shame. Activities such as singing were especially powerful because they created a felt sense of connection. Lindsey described singing as emotional and joining people together, helping her feel part of a wider community.

Creative and sensory practices were particularly meaningful. The sound bath gave Lindsey vivid calming imagery: floating in a boat, hands in water, willow trees, warm clear water. This became an inner place she could revisit when she needed calm. Drawing, journaling, breathing, restorative yoga, singing and meditation all offered different routes into self-care, allowing Lindsey to discover what worked for her.

Lindsey experienced a powerful movement from hiding to being visible again. In the past, she felt her “baggage” was unsightly and wanted to hide from others. Now she is reconnecting with extended family, looking forward to meeting cousins, and feeling able to share her life and hear theirs. Her statement “I’m not hiding” captures the heart of her transformation.

For Lindsey, the programme appears to have consolidated and deepened earlier self-compassion learning. After the first course, she felt she might still fall back. After the winter self-care programme, self-care feels “ingrained.” It has become normal, natural and necessary.

Lindsey’s story shows how a structured, compassionate, group-based self-care programme can support someone living with ongoing family trauma and caregiving stress to reclaim agency, regulate distress, strengthen boundaries, reconnect with others, and build a more compassionate relationship with herself.