Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator

RU OK Day

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama.

Dear Families,

This Thursday September 9th is RU OK Day. ‘It’s our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and support those struggling with life’s ups and downs.’ (https://www.ruok.org.au) 

This year the message is: Are they really OK? Ask them today. Do you know how the people in your world are really going? Life's ups and downs happen to all of us. So, chances are someone you know might be struggling. Your genuine support can make a difference whatever they are facing, big or small. So, don’t wait until someone’s visibly distressed or in crisis. Make a moment meaningful and ask them how they’re really going. Are they really OK? Ask them today. Your conversation could change a life. (https://www.ruok.org.au)

For me, RU OK Day is about empathy and compassion. Being empathetic allows us to think about how others may be feeling, to wonder what they might be going through. From this state of empathy we may show compassion and check in on someone, to see how they are going. What could I do to make a difference? 

Here are a few fun ideas to try together to help foster compassion. Choose your favourite to complete together as a family.

• Phone a relative or friend that you haven’t talked to in a while.
• Think about someone you have noticed who hasn’t been as happy as they usually are. Do something kind for them to cheer them up.
• Think about someone that lives near you, who might need some help. Do a ‘Random Act of Kindness’ for them.
• Pick some flowers from your garden and leave them at a neighbour’s front door.
• Cook a meal or a sweet treat and give it to someone else. 

Take care of yourselves and those around you. I’m really missing seeing everyone at school. 

Thanks for your support,

Andy McNeilly

Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator