Tara – in control of her own life

Tara – in control of her own life

Tara is happiest when she is busy, and she certainly is a busy woman who sets herself a high standard in her two regular jobs, which she carries out meticulously. Since being supported by ConneXu, she has had the opportunity to try out a wealth of new experiences. And having completed a PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) with ConneXu two years ago, she feels in control of her own life. This is wonderful for Tara and her supporters, because they know that she is happy with the activities in her life. However, the flip side of this is that she is confident in saying no to things that she doesn’t want to do.

Lawns are one of those things that Tara enjoys. She mows her own lawns to keep them in tip top order. In fact, she used to be responsible for mowing the lawns of all the ConneXu houses until a maintenance contractor took over. She enjoys the discipline of the lawns, likes feeling valued and that she is contributing.

For similar reasons, she applies herself wholeheartedly to her work in cleaning the ConneXu offices twice a week. This began as a casual position, but has since become permanent, a tribute to her reliability and good work.

Her attention to detail has also led to her being put in charge of maintaining the contents of all the first aid boxes in ConneXu houses and vehicles. She takes her responsibilities seriously, and her services are certainly appreciated.

As a break from her more active outdoor pastimes, Tara enjoys her most recent hobby – making rainbow-coloured loom bands. These are intricate combinations of coloured bands in various patterns to create bracelets and key chains, which she gives to her friends.

Recently, Tara took part in a netball game between ConneXu staff and all-comers. It was fast and furious, and so popular that a regular ConneXu netball team may be set up for next season. Tara is very keen to play regular netball, and says she will be very firm about everyone keeping to the rules.

Although all of these activities and hobbies may make Tara look busy, she is careful to only do things that suit her and she enjoys. Tara and Christine (the ConneXu Community Facilitator she chose to work with) looked into volunteering for Riding for the Disabled (RDA). She had worked for them previously, and wondered about doing it again. However, on finding out more about it, Tara decided that it was going to be a bit demanding on her schedule due to the travel commitments. Tara therefore made the decision that she didn’t want to do it.

Tara has found balance in her life, and with ConneXu’s support has found activities that she enjoys. But if given the choice to do something that she is not interested in – she has no qualms saying no. Having Christine (her ConneXu Community Facilitator) providing individualised support for Tara enables her to navigate both her personal and work life well, and with confidence. Therefore, the importance is not in what she does, but the fact that she feels in charge of her life, and has the self-assurance to shape it how she wants to.