A Month of Challenge, Growth & Giving Back: Reflections from the OT Coach
- Padraig Danaher
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
April and May have been months of incredible activity, learning, and transformation at the OT Coach, and I’m thrilled to share our journey with you.
Ultra Marathon for a Cause: Belfast to Dublin in 28 Hours
On April 18th, I embarked on a journey that pushed every physical and mental boundary: running from Belfast to Dublin in just 28 hours. This wasn’t just an athletic feat; it was driven by a powerful purpose, to raise funds for Barnardo’s, an organization dedicated to supporting children who have lost their parents at a young age. I’m proud to share that, with your generous support, we raised nearly €2,500 for this vital cause.
Running for something greater than myself added a whole new dimension to the experience. There were moments of exhaustion, pain, and doubt, but knowing the impact this would have for grieving children gave me the will to push through, even when suffering was at its peak. It was a lesson in gratitude, resilience, and the true meaning of service.
Personal & Professional Growth: Buddhist Retreat Experience
Over the May bank holiday weekend, I participated in a Buddhist retreat as part of my ongoing personal and professional development. With over 30 participants, more than half of whom were healthcare professionals, it was a transformative weekend filled with meditation, reflection, and new learning.
Some of the most valuable lessons centered on the power of meditation, not just as a practice, but as a way of life.
We explored:
Why we meditate and the science behind its benefits for the mind and body
How to incorporate meditation into daily routines, even for busy professionals
The role of gratitude in reframing negative thinking and fostering resilience
Acts of service and kindness as pathways to wellbeing
Letting go of negative thought cycles through mindfulness and reflection
These insights deeply resonated with me, especially in connection with my ultra marathon experience, reminding me that even when challenges arise, focusing on gratitude and service can help us persevere and grow.
Common Challenges Facing Families: What We’re Seeing in Clinic
The past month’s experiences have further illuminated some of the challenges families and young people are facing right now. In clinic, several recurring themes have emerged:
Mobile phone use and its impact on identity, self-esteem, and relationships, especially for teenagers
Sleep difficulties which are often exacerbated by screen time and stress
Heightened anxiety affecting both young people and their parents
It’s clear that technology, mental health, and family dynamics are more intertwined than ever, and that boys and girls often experience these pressures differently.
Upcoming Workshop: Empowering Parents & Professionals
To help address these pressing issues, I’m collaborating with Dr. Jennifer Cuppage, a skilled clinical psychologist, to deliver a comprehensive, evidence-based workshop:
“Supporting Adolescents in a Digital Age: Warning Signs & Strategies for Families”
Saturday, June 14th
The Kingsley
3 hours: 10am–1:00pm
This workshop will be packed with actionable insights, including:
Recognizing warning signs of anxiety, sleep disruption, and problematic phone use
Evidence-based strategies to support healthy digital habits
Tools for fostering resilience, gratitude, and positive mental health in your home
Q&A and resource sharing for parents and professionals
Who should attend?
Parents of adolescents, teachers, youth workers, and any professional working with young people.
How to book:
If you’re interested in attending, please reach out to me directly to secure your place or follow this link!
Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead
April and May have reminded me of the power of community, the importance of self-care, and the impact we can have when we come together for a cause greater than ourselves. Whether running an ultra marathon, sitting in silent meditation, or supporting families in clinic, the common thread is connection—to ourselves, to others, and to the wider world.
As we move into summer, I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you—learning, growing, and making a difference together.
With gratitude,
Padraig / The OT Coach
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