The conversation that changed it all…
In context and why I’m writing this. To support this year’s R U OK theme. “No qualifications needed, because a conversation could change a life”.
R U OK? inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life.
You don’t need to be an expert to reach out – just a good friend and a great listener.
Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:
A conversation could change a life: R U OK? A conversation could change a life | R U OK? (n.d.). Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.ruok.org.au/
- Ask R U OK?
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
I still remember the one moment, the one conversation that got through to me.
We were on a family trip in Noosa, sun, surf and more surf. I can’t remember where I was mentally at the time, but it mustn’t have been good (I don’t remember the down times, maybe that’s why I can easily slip back). In a moment of peace and tranquility, after the kids had gone to bed, Sarah went head on.
Egg shells are fragile little things, so at times, are our minds. Most people don’t want to challenge someone that’s vulnerable or feel that they can’t. I guess that’s why Sarah for many years had taken a gentle approach. But not now. Was she qualified to confront, was she qualified to have the conversation she was about to have?
Technically, no.
So why did that head on talk work? We have a million buttons, a million triggers, a million excuses. Sometimes things just fit. The soft approach didn’t work with me. I took the sympathy and fuelled my wallowing. The attention fed my miserable hunger. But everyone is different. That’s why sometimes you don’t need a format, you don’t always need to be an expert.
Head on, the one line, the one subject. “I can no longer see myself getting old with you, I can no longer see you around”. Sarah went on to say that it was her dream to retire by the beach with me. To share our days walking hand in hand on the sand. If I wasn’t around that couldn’t happen.
It was like a switch had been turned on. I couldn’t do this to the woman I loved, or let alone my kids. I set out to make myself better.
Everyone is different, every conversation different. Don’t stop trying with friends, family, acquaintances, the people you love, the people you don’t. One word, one sentence one conversation can change everything. And you don’t need to be qualified to make a difference.
GRAVITIC 