Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Rachel Taylor.
Design/methodology/approach – Rachel provides a short biographical account and is then interviewed by Jerome. In her biography she discusses her search for happiness and belonging.
Findings – Rachel talks about focussing on what we are good at, what we love and how discovery can ignite that spark of hope that there can be better than what has gone before.
Research limitations/implications – Rachel’s story shows the potential that lies not just within some of us, but all of us. It is but one story, but its message is sure to touch many.
Practical implications – How do services promote hope and build resilience and wellbeing? While another service user said recovery was about “coping with your illness and having a meaningful life,” (McManus et al, 2009), services have perhaps focussed too much on symptom reduction and not enough on helping people find meaning and purpose.
Social implications – Rachel asks the question is Positive Psychology a movement for all or is it just for the elite? Originality/value – Rachel is someone who has discovered for herself the benefits of Positive Psychology. Hopefully her own discovery will lead to her bringing this promising approach to people with mental health problems