“Burned out and in a very dark place. Now I’m inspired to be a light for others.” – Beverley Jones
We at BoxHuman are passionate about highlighting and celebrating inspiring humans; especially the ones who are inspiring, helping, and bringing light to the world. We do this to rebalance some of the negative messages we often hear, see, and receive daily. We met up quickly with one of these amazing individuals…
Hi Beverley, it’s great to meet you. Without further ado, let’s start this BoxHuman Inspire Series. Can you please tell me a little bit about you and what you’re especially known for?
Hi, I’m Beverley Jones and eleven years ago I crashed out of my thirty-year corporate career with burnout. As a result, and at the time this happened, I was diagnosed with clinical depression and severe anxiety. In 2010 I set up my business Awaken as I vowed never to work full-time for an employer again. Through Awaken I help many people in many different ways. I am an avid volunteer and live by the motto ‘Be Kind’.
What a great introduction, thank you! Can you please tell us in your own words how your inspiring journey began, what happened and why?
My journey began as I decided at the time to help people not go where I went. In 2009 / 2010 I found myself in a very dark place and if I could be the light for others then I had accomplished what I set out to do.
Once I had taken the year out and decided I couldn’t work as a full-time employee for others again. I set about setting up Awaken through which I now help so many people in so many different ways. I have one mission to assist at least one member in every audience I reach, to not go where I went, to learn from my experience, and to know that it is OK to reach out for help whenever it is needed.
It’s so inspiring to hear how you’ve taken a challenging time and turned into a mission to help others. Thank you for sharing that. What has been your biggest life challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was coming out on the other side of my mental health journey through burnout. I had to learn how to be positive again; how to know I was ok just being me; how to re-build my self-esteem and how to turn the light back on in my life.
I did this by reading a number of books, spending time with my family and friends, learning about mindfulness and meditation to help calm the mind, and volunteering – as I helped others I discovered I helped myself.
Can you please kindly tell us what you’ve learned from your own personal journey so far and what others should learn from it?
I have learned that I am never alone, there are others out there who have been on similar journeys and are always willing to help. I have learned to reach out to others when I need to and in doing so help them to understand my needs. I have also learned to listen to my body and when it needs to rest then that is what I do. I hope that through my work and sharing these tips that others will learn to.
I guess the things I share with others are ‘It is OK not to be OK; Communication is the best medication and saying No to others is indeed saying Yes to self.
Some great advice! Thank you, Beverley. You are an author, speaker, and well-being consultant…Can you please tell us what’s your business called, what inspired you to do this and why?
My business is called Awaken. I was inspired to help others when I was at my lowest. I wish I had known that reaching out was the answer and that in doing so I would discover I wasn’t alone on my dark journey of depression and anxiety. I just want to be a light for others where I can.
It’s sad to say, but we’re nearly at the end of our time together. So it’s a great time to throw in some quick BoxHuman Inspire questions before we say goodbye. Let’s start, can you tell us…1) One thing that makes you smile? 2) What inspires you to be you on a daily basis and why?
I have many things that make me smile but every day when my partner comes home from work he makes me smile. We were together when I was seventeen and after thirty-one years got back together. He was my rock in my dark days and still is my rock!
I am inspired to be me by my family and the lovely people I have met over the years and those I work with through Awaken; the why is because I feel blessed and grateful every day to be surrounded by such love and loyalty, just makes me want to continue to do what I do.
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have
Bob Marley
1) If there was one positive thing you would say to someone to inspire and empower them what would it be and why? And….2) What three expert tips would you say to someone to assist them with their emotional resilience and well-being both inside and outside work?
I would always say to someone ‘Never Give Up’, I almost gave up in 2010 but thankfully through the strength given to me by others I was able to turn my life into the blessed life I have today. Whatever it is you desire can be yours with focus, faith, and determination.
The three tips I’d give to help others with their emotional resilience and well-being would be:
- Look after your physical and mental health in equal measure.
- Practice self-care and listen to your body
- Never be afraid to speak up if there is something on your mind – once you have shared it your strength will return.
What future goals do you want to achieve and why?
In the future, I want to reach out to many others to help them where I can. I want to finish and publish my second book and I want to share my story with many. The ‘why’ behind these things are all to help others to see wherever they are right now that things can get better. I am not a superhuman but if I can turn my life around then it is possible for so many others too.
Integrity is everything, kind and helpful
Beverley Jones
Wow, so inspiring, thank you, Beverley! Finally and to conclude this interview…A BoxHuman is an empowered individual. They will not be defined by society’s labels. They show the better qualities of humankind, such as strength, kindness, and inspiration. Can you please tell us what makes you a BoxHuman?
I am constantly looking out for ways to help others either through my business or my volunteering. I believe kindness is everything and I live by this daily. If I can help anyone in any way that makes me happy.
My lockdown experience has been filled by helping staff at large corporates with their anxieties, small businesses to plan goals for their future out of lockdown, and looking after ten vulnerable households (shopping, etc.)
I was indeed born to help and in doing so I help my own anxieties to stay at bay!
“Thank you, Beverley.”
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