Learning to get 'back to best'

In late 2023, Robin experienced a major health event that ‘sat me on my arse’, Robin’s words, not mine.

?Robin sat down with me and shared his story of using learning for recovery.

?This wasn’t an easy story for Robin to share, discovering he wasn’t Superman made him feel vulnerable. It takes a special kind of courage to lean into vulnerability and talk about it.

?Robin ‘I was asked why I would tell my story; it was a tough and traumatic time. My only reply, if I can help only one person to go, get a check-up and deal with whatever comes up, then putting myself out there is worth it.’

?At the time of his health event, Robin was completing a Diploma in Arboriculture and was participating in The Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) management challenge.

?As an Occupational Therapist in the learning and development space, this was a story I wanted to hear, using purposeful and relevant activities to get back to your best!

?Robin shared ‘To be honest there were moments when I felt crushed by the unfortunate health event, but this is not my style’ before adding ‘and my wife and three daughters would not put up with me feeling sorry for myself for long’. On the recommendation of his doctor and with the support of his workplace, Robin quickly picked up his studies and went back to his LGMA teams.

?Instead of ‘being’ crushed, Robin crushed ‘it’!

?Robin said the benefits he got out of re-committing to these learning opportunities outweighed the effort involved. ‘I got a sense of purpose and belonging, and I felt externally recognised for my contributions at a time I was doubting myself’. He continues ‘using learning for recovery helped me get my concentration, focus and memory back to best.’

?Robin was able to complete his Diploma studies in record time! Then turned his attention to being available to coach and support others completing the course.

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