Through our RESTA research, we’ve discovered the incredible power of stories. When students share their stories, they uncover coping mechanisms, activate strengths, and highlight resources. These stories help them recognise the tools they have, moving from feeling stuck to feeling empowered.
Our RESTAs use storytelling to build resilience in a person-centred way. By the end of our 11-week program, students understand their ‘toolbox’ of resources. Today, Alicia Shawcross, one of our RESTAs, shared an inspiring story created with a student. We couldn’t resist sharing it with you!
The Garden of Strength, by Alicia Shawcross
Once upon a time, in a cozy little village surrounded by rolling hills, lived a young girl named Lila. Lila loved her small garden where she grew bright flowers and juicy fruits. One day, a big storm swept through the village, tearing apart her beloved garden.
When Lila saw the mess, she felt overwhelmed. The flowers were crushed, and the fruit trees were bent and broken. She sat on a rock, tears streaming down her cheeks. But then, her grandmother, a wise and kind woman, sat beside her and said, “Lila, let me tell you about the tools for resilience. They will help you rebuild your garden and your heart.”
Tool 1: Gratitude
Grandma picked a small, blooming flower that had survived the storm. “Start by focusing on what you still have,” she said. “See this flower? It reminds us that not all is lost.” Lila smiled at the tiny bloom and realised she still had seeds in her shed.
Tool 2: Problem-Solving
“Next,” Grandma said, “make a plan. What can we do to rebuild your garden?” Together, they wrote down tasks, clearing the debris, replanting seeds, and fixing the fence. Lila felt better just having a plan.
Tool 3: Asking for Help
“Sometimes, it’s okay to ask others for help,” Grandma added. Lila ran to her best friend, Ben, and her neighbour’s. They came with shovels, rakes, and cheerful smiles. Soon, everyone was helping her clear the mess.
Tool 4: Positive Thinking
While they worked, Grandma reminded Lila, “When you think you can’t, tell yourself you can, just take it one step at a time” So, every time Lila felt tired, she whispered, “I’m strong enough to do this.” Slowly but surely, her garden began to take shape.
Tool 5: Self-Care
After hours of hard work, Grandma noticed Lila rubbing her hands and yawning. “Don’t forget to take care of yourself,” she said. They paused for a snack of fresh bread and berries. Lila learned that resting was just as important as working.
Tool 6: Patience
Rebuilding the garden wasn’t quick. Days turned into weeks. “It takes time for flowers to grow,” Grandma said. Lila watered her garden every morning, even when no sprouts appeared. She learned to be patient.
Tool 7: Hope
One sunny morning, tiny green shoots peeked out of the soil. Lila jumped with joy. “See? Hope keeps us going,” Grandma said. Lila realised that no matter how hard things seemed, there was always a chance for new beginnings.
Months later, Lila’s garden was even more beautiful than before. Vibrant flowers swayed in the breeze, and trees were heavy with fruit. The storm had taught Lila that resilience, like a garden, could grow with care and effort.
From that day on, Lila kept her grandmother’s tools close to her heart, knowing they could help her weather any storm.
And she shared her story with other children, planting seeds of strength wherever she went ❤.