The WOW Factor: Participant Leon Shares His Story
Words: Kylie Owens
Leon, 47 married with two young children, discovered WOW through Instagram and kept thinking to himself, ‘that looks fun and helpful, but it's not for me’. He had just been diagnosed with brain cancer and was going through a lot of physical health challenges, but also realised the diagnosis was raising several mental health concerns.
As an ocean swimmer, Leon was always drawn to the idea of surfing and loved the idea that it could connect people and support their mental health. After listening to the podcast Joel (WOW Co-Founder & CEO) did with Cooper Chapman (Good Humans Podcast), and having gained his physical health back, he decided he’d sign up for WOW.
Leon found the connection with other participants was one of the most rewarding parts of the program.
“What appeared to be a disparate group of people became a close knit unit of friends who trusted each other and became closer over the weeks. This connection with others, who at first were strangers, really underlined the benefits of socialising with others and sharing problems”
For Leon, the beach is the place where he can relax and be mindful.
“I put this down to immersion in nature and the ocean. Often if we were talking about ways to improve mental health or tackle issues, I would be drawn to looking out to the ocean which would allow me to be more mindful and focused on the conversation and not distracted by ‘everyday’ thoughts”.
Leon has noticed the positive impact on his self-esteem as he was able to participate and complete something he originally never thought he would.
“I never thought I would and take up a new activity that allows me to have a new identity and connect with others, who perhaps I wouldn’t usually come into contact or socialise with.”
Leon was most surprised at how enjoyable and important the expression sessions on the sand became.
The ‘instructors’ were not only professional and well qualified, but very approachable and felt like they were ‘part of the group’ which really helped the dynamics and meant there was no feeling of ‘us and them’.
Leon has rediscovered that mental health is something for everyone and it needs to be looked after constantly to be maintained.
“There are simple, proven tactics to keep good mental health. We just need to be conscious of what we are doing and how that impacts our mental health. ‘Down days’ affect us all for many reasons and we should not judge ourselves (or others) based on us having a hard time with mental health.”
After the program, Leon shared that he feels inspired to make more time for himself and the activities that improve his mental health.
“I’ll not judge myself and think that making time to swim, surf or meet up with friends is a frivolous indulgence. I know these activities help my mental health and so I will make more time for them and de-prioritise things that damage my mental health such as work, overthinking, procrastinating.”
Additionally Leon has responded very well to treatment and has a good prognosis. He’s benefited from many complementary therapies such as mindfulness, breathwork and programs like WOW.
“The journey has made me question many things, particularly around my identity and how I spend my time. I’m therefore looking to utilise my people skills more and draw on my recent experience and newfound outlook on life.
“I’m on leave for the next four months and wish to spend this time working out and exploring how I can use my experience and learnings to help others and contribute more to society.”
Leon gives 10/10 to the WOW Program and would 100% recommend it to a friend.
“If there were any doubts they had around the program not been for them or thinking that they weren’t ‘qualified’ for the program, I believe everyone would benefit from it. You don’t have to have serious issues with your mental health and the program could be preventative or an early intervention before things get worse.”
Good on you, Leon! It was a privilege and a pleasure to have you in our program.