Being part of the gardening project was a turning point for me. I had the chance to help design and create a beautiful garden space something I never imagined I could do. When the project was finished, I felt a deep sense of pride. For the first time in a long time, I saw myself as someone who mattered, someone who could contribute something meaningful. This experience gave me the confidence to believe in my abilities and see myself as a valuable part of my community.
At first, I had a hard time managing my anger and stress. My emotions felt overwhelming and out of control. But something changed when I started working with the soil, digging, weeding, simply caring for plants. Those simple tasks became a peaceful escape, a way to let go and breathe. Over time, I found calm in the process, and I began to handle my emotions with more balance and strength. The garden became my outlet, my therapy, and my turning point.
When I first joined the program, I kept to myself, I avoided conversations and felt completely disconnected. But something about being in the garden, working with my hands, and feeling part of something gentle and alive slowly changed that. I began opening up to the therapist, then to others around me. Over time, I built meaningful connections, found my voice, and began to feel like part of a community again. Horticultural therapy helped me reconnect-with people, and with myself.
Over the past three months, I found myself fully immersed in every session, fueled by a genuine passion for horticulture. After completing the program and returning to my community, I used the skills I gained to start my own home garden. That small step grew into something bigger. Today, I run a business focused on extracting aromatic plants and producing essential oils. This journey is proof of how the program not only nurtured my love for nature but also empowered me to build a more independent and sustainable life.”