My chief well-being officer 🐕‍🦺

I often reflect on RU OK day about my dear brother Rod who died 21 years ago. 🥲

My brother Rod at 46 years old, died from suicide on 3rd January 2014, which sent a major ripple effect to many others in my family since this awful day. 

And it is still happening far too often - even just this week another relative attempted to take their own life. This time the police arrived in time thankfully! 

So, what does it make me reflect on, well often it is - if only we knew the signs to watch out for, how could have we helped them sooner to get help. What if we asked them if everything is OK?

There were signs really little ones for Rod which most of us missed until we reflected on it later. However, the most recent family member is younger than Rod but no signs at all. From the outside a really happy person going well in life. 

Who knows what happens for people at that moment or the moments leading up to it, but we do need to stay connected to our loved ones and our friends to notice and watch and not be afraid to inquire about how they really are.

I wish I could have helped Rod. Now I know so much more of what a thriving person can do to keep buoyant and in a mentally healthy place.

Just getting into nature does so much. I never realised how much joy I could get from swimming 🏊‍♀️ in the ocean in the middle of winter. Or even just taking my dog Archie (pictured above for a walk each day and allowing space for the things we love and giving them priority.

It does not take much to shift our wellbeing. 

I am on a mission to support people to thrive and help them with practical tips and skills of how they can do this for themselves. 

A big tip is just learn how to listen well and be truly present. People won’t open up to you if you don’t do this.

Thank you Graeme Cowan - Team Resilience Speaker for starting  #ruokday to remind us all to reach out and be kind to others because you just don’t know what they are going through. 

 #thrivetogether #listening #supportive  #wellbeingmatters  #wellbeing  #wellbeingforall 

My chief well-being officer in the photo! 😊