The poem reminds me of award-winning research that I helped with.

In 2016 our multi-University team published on “Effective self-management strategies” (in mental health).

Qualitative research.

Delphi consensus, a panel of experts, (doctors, nurses, counsellors, caregivers, people with lived experience, etc.) rate stategies across multiple surveys to develop consensus on effectiveness of strategies, (drawn from exhaustive literature review, interviews and multi-media research).

We determined the top strategies. We also did a thematic analysis. Many conclusions could be drawn.

Relative to this poem, and a relatively unique finding, to be statistically measured, is that one of the top strategies to achieve mental health is to maintain HOPE. Of course, maintaining physical health and other strategies are also key to mental health, but it was somewhat groundbreaking to statistically identify the value of hope.

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Open the door
Never close it
We have the presence of mind
To stay more focussed
*
Sometimes it’s hard work
Just to show up
We have to get through the grind
So that they know us
*
Status quo
Seems so robust
Change is constant
The future grows up
*
Maintaining a vision can be a challenge
Developing a system
Helps us balance
If we put more thought
into our choices
We can improve perspectives
Share our voices
*
Answer the door
Please don’t close it
Just keep the presence of mind
Because we chose it
*
Sometimes ideas
Seem to blow up
But there are some that we find
That always show up
*
Steady flow
Never throws us
Stage that’s current
Each day is hopeful

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