"Have you ever scrolled the internet looking for the right prompt but find yourself lost? Melissa Gibson put together a beautiful 117-page book filled with thoughtful and insightful prompts in a variety of categories to get you started called "Empowerment Through Journalling: A Journey to Self-Love, Resilience, and Transformation". 

Melissa ran a two-hour workshop alongside her new book; I went in with a rigid perspective on journalling but with an open mind and a willingness to develop my skills. I came out with inspiration and self-permission to journal how I want, when I want to and with various ways to get the process started. Since the workshop I have been able to journal consistently everyday (or most) versus sporadically prior to the workshop. 

She is passionate for written word and an advocate for self-discovery through her own experience of journalling. Whether it's by putting pen to paper, a digital method or whichever way you decide to journal she will guide you with compassion and curiosity to find what works for you."

"Dear Reader, 

If you are reading this then you are likely considering starting some work with Melissa, if you are wondering if you should? The answer is absolutely YES. 

This testimonial has taken me far longer than it should have to write but that brings me to, two things straight away. Melissa’s patience and that the work she did with me did sink in and that I have been sat here this morning reminding myself, to be kind to myself and not beat myself up for not doing this sooner. 

How was I when Melissa first reached out to me? I was a hot mess! And some days I still am! But now those days, I reach out to my support network, I am kind to myself, I focus on my self care, and take one step at a time. 

We worked on so much and didn’t even scratch the surface really, Melissa supported me as I got my budget and finances u der control, which is still going successfully. 

We worked on the fact that I need the confidence to help build boundaries and not to be unkind to myself in those moments. 

My confidence has grown so much that what melissa doesn’t know is that, not only did I reach out and find myself a weight loss coach/PT, I started going back to yoga, then I got brave enough to start swimming again, and this week I went to the gym for the first time - not only did she hold my hand while I dug deep to find this confidence but the work we did at he time was to learn how to celebrate my wins - no matter how small they were - today was my first session in the gym, tomorrow it might just be turning up on time somewhere but she helped shift my perspective to celebrate these wins. She gave me tools to help and whilst I don’t always use them as much as I would like, mentally they have sunk in and I work on them everyday. 

I have learnt that boundaries aren’t just about saying no, they are saying that’s enough for today, it’s not answering a text until I am ready, it’s about prioritising myself and my children both physically and mentally. Even if someone else doesn’t like that choice. Am I big and bold and confident and loud? No, but I’m learning and practicing this as much as I can. 

My relationship with my sons is improving, I have found an amazing therapist who is specifically helping me with processing my sight loss (I am legally blind) I am enjoying new recipes each week, having the confidence to try and not worry if it doesn’t work. I am prioritising my self care which is filling my cup to be able to fill others. I am far from done but this journey wouldn’t have happened without Melissa. 

Melissa gave me a safe space to vent, to get my muddled brain out on paper, she helped see the silver linings when I couldn’t and gave me tool after tool to go back to, I have them printed out and refer back to them when I need to. I still have miles and miles to go, but what Melissa gave me was a hand to hold, and stepping stones to build on, and that alone is priceless. 

I know this testimonial is long, but she deserves the best and not something half hearted. If I was closer geographically to Melissa I would give her the biggest hug of gratitude. Because thank you doesn’t seem like enough. 

Thank you for reading 💖"