A cracking way to start the year with 'Transforming Me, Transforming You'.

The last day of January saw our first RECIPRO workshop of the year, held at the fabulous MAC building in St Anne's Square, Belfast.

The day started like many of our workshops with the early birds, who like to come and have a relaxing start, the 'just-in-timers' who rush in and grab a coffee, and the late starters, with reasons ranging from having to leave the kids to school, the traffic and a VERY early morning meeting 'up the country'.

As the introductions got underway it became clear they all came along for different reasons. A few know the value in taking some time out to reflect. Some want to get clear on direction for 2014. A few at a crossroads; not sure where to go next. Others wanting to get balance back into their lives. And jokers asking 'where is the makeover team?' - high expectations!

The MAC was the perfect venue for what came next. A series of interactive exercises, a mixture of self-reflection and paired and group discussion to discover their individual achievements, strengths and qualities, exercises that some found hard at first with comments like 'I just get on and do it, I never take time to reflect on what I have achieved'. Culminating in some fun visioning exercises, resulting in an array of vision boards to get the creative juices flowing.

The MAC was the perfect venue for what came next. A series of interactive exercises, a mixture of self-reflection and paired and group discussion to discover their individual achievements, strengths and qualities, exercises that some found hard at first with comments like 'I just get on and do it, I never take time to reflect on what I have achieved'. Culminating in some fun visioning exercises, resulting in an array of vision boards to get the creative juices flowing.

Taking time out for lunch, over looking the Cathedral, with many reverting to their mobiles to text and email. No rest!

Back at the workshop, these senior women delved deeper, looking at their current reality. Reality checks such as 'I have so much work to do it is just hard to get the balance'. And yet, inspired by their vision, and with the support of the group, these women took stock of what other resources they had at their disposal. New visions emerged. Some completely new, the product of 'aha' moments! Others remembered 'something I have always wanted to do'.

The process allowed me to take stock of where I am, and has enabled me to think of where I want to get to. Exploring my vision was very useful.

With renewed resolve, the women threw themselves into the final session on how to get their voices heard. Armed with tips on powerful communication, they practice communicating, inspiring and enrolling others in their vision.

Goosebumps! You should have been there! The makeover team may not have arrived, but the transformation had begun, from the inside out!

For those of you are disappointed to have missed this workshop, it will be repeated, so email us for upcoming dates.