As a society, we seem to have the notion of happiness being the measure for life.
Yet, we tend to forget how much hard work that can actually be.
Happiness is fleeting. To wish to be in its perpetual state is forever chasing rainbows.
This is why I’m skeptical of the #100daysof happy meme. Forcing myself to “be happy” or “see the positives” for everyday for half a year is not only daunting, it’s tiring.
How about achieving a life time of meaning and gratitude instead?
On Wednesday, I attended a get-together at the NSW Writers Centre.
Having only received the invitation a week prior, I rocked along with very little idea what the agenda would be or who I would meet.
As it turned out, the topic was mental health; something that had effected everyone in that room.
The speakers themselves had their own personal, powerful stories. Jai Evans was a close, personal friend of the late Charlotte Dawson. Peter Bliss’ sister was Diana Bliss, Alan Bond’s late wife.
Both women were suffering from crippling depression that tragically resulted in taking their own lives.
The conversations in that room reached a level of depth and emotion that can only be described as extraordinary.
We can never make sense of the tragedies that happen but we can certainly try to make meaning out of them.
Jai has carried on Charlotte’s legacy by continuing the homewares line she was about to launch a week prior to her death.
Designed by Charlotte’s long time friend, Billy Allen, 80% of proceeds from the sales of the handmade Balinese canvas cushions and coasters are donated to Charlotte’s favourite 5 charities: Lifeline, Community Brave, ACON, Angels Goals and The Smile Foundation.
As a life coach and advocate for mindfulness, Peter Bliss runs meditation and lifestyle courses for the corporate world – a place where I can attest breeds stress, anxiety and other mental health issues.
It’s one thing that bloggers break the barriers in talking about our own journey of mental health. Yet, there lies the delicate duty in making sure that troubled readers who come to us seeking advice or help are referred to appropriate health professionals.
A big thanks to Sarah Wayland who brought to the table in her wealth of knowledge and sound advice as an experienced counsellor.
Whether we intend to or not, bloggers hold a heavy, public responsibility – both to our readers and our peers.
In this world full of unpredictability and underlying emotional struggles, there is the moral obligation to have each other’s back. We owe it to each other.
If you’re feeling depressed and need to talk to someone, please, please call Lifeline: 13 11 14
Side note:
For transparency’s sake, the Australian Bloggers Festival is a series of events, leading to the main one later this year.
Wednesday’s get-together was not deliberately exclusive nor intentionally “secretive”.
If you would like to be involved in future events, feel free to contact Louisa Claire.
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Deb - An Inspirational Journey says
I find this subject really fascinating and it always tugs at the heart strings as my husband suffers from depression. He’s doing well now but four years ago that was not the case. I am thankful he’s still here as there was a real possibility that he could have been taken from us. A great post and so was your running one. Keep up the good work! x
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Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
Thanks for sharing Grace
Lydia C. Lee says
This sounds great – I was not aware of it…
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..I may go M.I.A
Pinky Poinker says
It’s a very interesting point that bloggers who write about depression and mental illness have a responsibility to their readers. I hadn’t thought of it that way.
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Denise says
Good on you Grace. It sounds like a great event, thanks for sharing x
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Jody at Six Little Hearts says
Thank you for making us aware. Those linens are lovely too.
Jody at Six Little Hearts recently posted..Lemon Muesli Cookies
Bec @ Seeing the Lighter Side of Parenting says
I think a better aim is satisfaction rather than happiness. Happiness seems so centred around self whereas satisfaction can be either from achieving or enjoying something yourself, or helping someone else. It’s a much broader aim to have.
Bec @ Seeing the Lighter Side of Parenting recently posted..The random stuff strangers say (that they REALLY SHOULDN’T) – guest post
Mumabulous says
I find most memes quite irritating (except those that involve shirtless men). Its important to accept life in all its complexity – to work with the pain instead of denying it. Thanks Grace for another thoughtful and resonate piece of writing.
Mumabulous recently posted..Bitch-abulous
Bec | Mumma Tells says
I too find the pursuit of anything tiresome. Be. Live. Do. And see what follows. X
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Desire Empire says
I could use that life line number this week.
Carolyn
Desire Empire recently posted..Thai Beef with Snow Peas and Asparagus
mamagrace71 says
I’m sorry to hear that, Carolyn. Hope you found someone to talk to and get support. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help x
Kaz @ Melting Moments says
A powerful and heartfelt post. Thanks for sharing the stories and knowledge from your day x
Kaz @ Melting Moments recently posted..Weekly Wrap Up – Nurturing Yourself
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
My dad committed suicide when I was 10 and my mum suffered a mental breakdown soon after so I was exposed to the catastrophic effects of mental illness from a very young age. Mums anxiety rubbed off on me and I now suffer from anxiety and had post natal depression after bub was born. I write about it every now and then on the blog because I think its important to reduce the stigma and encourage people to seek help instead of keeping it “hidden” for fear of judgement from others.
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..Leaving my narcissistic husband changed my life
sarah@snippetsandspirits says
Interesting everyone in the room could identify with subject matter. We all have mental health many forget this. Thanks Grace. X
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Winnie @ Bubfriendly says
It’s really unfortunate how crippling mental disorders can be. Thanks for sharing Grace. Unfortunately a lot of people still refuse to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental illness. It is so important for people around those suffering or potential suffering from mental illness to encourage the seeking help – could just be something simple such as a ringing a number as the first step.
Winnie @ Bubfriendly recently posted..Breastfeeding – myths and facts; What is Normal? All questions answered!
Ai Sakura says
I think Singapore should breed more health and wellness coaches like Peter Bliss. We can definitely do with more to have better stress levels at work!
Ai Sakura recently posted..More Mother-Daughter Matchy-Matchy Dress Finds!
Jodie@FreshHomeCook says
It sounds like it was an intense but worthwhile experience Grace. Thanks for sharing – it takes real courage to talk about mental health issues & loss – I am in admiration of anyone who does that. 🙂
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Annie says
The more conversations around mental health, the better. Whilst there are improvements in perceptions about it, we still have a long way to go.
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Bec @ The Plumbette says
I agree that as bloggers we need to have each others back and if a reader does connect with us about their mental health, it needs to be forwarded to the right people to ensure that reader gets help. I love the homewares and think its a fantastic way to celebrate and remember Charlotte’s life. Sounds like it was a really interesting event Grace.
Bec @ The Plumbette recently posted..Too many chiefs, not enough villages
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
What a great event Grace, especially to bring awareness to mental health issues. Thanks for sharing the details x
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Emma Fahy Davis says
What an important conversation to have, and yes, as bloggers we do have a collective responsibility not just to own the words we put out there, but to consider the consequences of those words for others.
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Emily says
Sounds like a fantastic event! Thanks for sharing, you gorgeous thang you x
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Lee-Anne says
Thought-provoking, sensitive. Thanks, Grace.
Lee-Anne recently posted..Average is the new black.
Mystery Case says
What a great initiative. Wish Perth had events like this on offer.
Mystery Case recently posted..The Perfect LBD | 52 Ways | Winter Luxe
Kirsten and co. says
Beautifully written Grace x
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Sarah from Creating Contentment says
The challenge to be happy for 100 days is not meant to encourage its participates to reach a perpetual state of happiness for 100 days. It is meant to encourage you to search out a moment each day that you are happy. To encourage you, amongst the bad and horrible to take a moment to think about the good and capture it on film. These images are then meant to serve you as a reminder of what makes you happy, so that you are able to refer them and gain comfort from them in periods of low mood. The 100 happy days challenge aim is for people to recognise that there are always moments of happy, even when life seems to be all bad.
Sarah from Creating Contentment recently posted..A competition!!!
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
I totally agree with how influential the blogging community can be and that we need to support each other.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted..Travel with Bender
Deb @ Nourish Nation says
What a great read Grace, it sounds like an extraordinary day. Wonderful to see these family and friends continuing to honor their loved ones and spread the message about mental health issues. x deb
Deb @ Nourish Nation recently posted..Simply nourished…..ways to nourish you simply!
Tat says
Sounds like an interesting event where real change happens. I’ll look up more info on the Australian Bloggers Festival.
Tat recently posted..Why can’t we just go to sleep? (Fun survey)
Veronica Lee says
A very impactive post, Grace. Thanks for sharing!
Happy Friday!
Lauren @ Create bake make says
You couldn’t have timed this any better Grace. Happiness is fleeting, and I think we can often put too much pressure on ourselves to be/feel happy ALL OF THE TIME – which in reality is impossible. I struggle with my mood at times, and am often a ‘glass half empty’ person. The idea of writing down/reflecting on what has made you happy each day is positive, but I agree it is extremely daunting at the same time. Thank you for writing about this important topic and raising the conversation x
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Kathy says
I agree happiness is in moments and never perpetual – contentment can be underlying though, even when we experience sadness. Sounds like a very moving event Grace.
Kathy recently posted..Let it in
Mandy, Barbie Bieber and Beyond says
Yep, I’m late linking up…but I have had a pretty crappy week, as is evident in my post this week. Your post is vey relevant to the way we were all feeling this week, grasp every moment with both hands as unfortunately we aren’t here forever, make the most of every moment!!
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EssentiallyJess says
I often think that too often we as bloggers aren’t aware of e responsibility that rests on our shoulders. It’s not all fun and games. This was a great reminder thanks Grace.
EssentiallyJess recently posted..Facing the Fear. Learning to Run Again.
Alicia O'Brien says
It’s lovely to see this come out of tragedy, and see the family and friends of Diane and Charlotte carrying on awareness in their names. Agree so very important to guide people who come looking for help, to mental health support. xx
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Kylie Purtell says
It looks like it was a great day, and a very important topic. xx
Kylie Purtell recently posted..Darkest Moments. Finding the Light
Lisa Wood says
What a great day together, and talking about a subject that most like to hide under the rug! I think that there is not enough support out there for those that are suffering from depression, its an illness one our society is slowly starting to acknowledge that the health of what is going on our head is just as important as our body health!
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