It’s probably no surprise for those who know me. I’m an animated, demonstrative kinda gal.
Put me in a high pressure situation like public speaking or meeting a sponsored post deadline while the twinions are sick and the nervous energy is palpable.
Years ago, in the bland, dull world that be corporate, while attending a training course, the entire team had to individually stand up the front and read excerpts from the great late Martin Luther King Jr’s historical speech, “I Have A Dream”
The purpose of the exercise was to hone our public speaking skills: to annunciate properly; speak with conviction; ‘feel’ the words we were reading aloud.
Well, Ms Highly Emotional couldn’t get passed “I have a dream…”
I started thinking how the speech was still so relevant today; that decades after this speech was first delivered, society was still battling with racial and gender equality.
My voice started to quiver, tears welling up.
Unable to finish, I walked back to my seat deeply embarrassed.
Laughing off the light-hearted teasing from my colleagues, there was some serious turmoil going on within.
“Why can’t I keep my shit together???
How much of a relief if someone just came up and asked if I was okay, try and see if there was something else going on because years later as I found out, there were tons of unresolved issues brewing internally.
During a counselling session last year, Penny my lovely psychologist suggested that perhaps, I was the kind of person that felt everything – pain, excitement, joy, stress, love – to the point I’d get flustered, overwhelmed. Confused, even.
“Aaaand, that’s a bad thing, right ???” I asked cautiously.
“No, not at all. It’s about being aware of it. Be mindful that that’s what’s happening. But also accept that this is who you are…”
Damn Penny for making it sound so easy.
She’s obviously good at what she does. Lucky for me.
Yesterday was RU OK Day, a mental health initiative where we ask those around us if they’re okay.
Because you just never know how much you can help someone in lightening an emotional load.
Even if you missed out on asking someone yesterday, it’s not too late to ask someone today or any other day.
Four simple yet powerful letters that can mean the world to your beloved or a random stranger: RU OK?
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Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
Lovely post Grace
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Lauren @ Create Bake Make says
You are lucky to have such a wise woman in your life, Penny’s advice is spot on. I think when we acknowledge the ‘quirks’ of our personality and understand it’s part of who we are life can be so much easier.
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Lydia C. Lee says
Lovely post and I like you aren’t making the R U Ok thing for just one day…Also, there’s a psychological thing where some people get a little teary and emotional when they’re the centre of attention (it’s not to do with what they’re saying or why, it’s just a weird reflex.)
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Bec @ Seeing the Lighter Side of Parenting says
R U OK day is a fabulous initiative, something we need to remember all year round.
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Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
I totally agree that RU OK day is so important. Let’s all try and ask it more often though! 🙂 xx
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mamagrace71 says
Agreed, Lucy. That’s why I mentioned in the post that we shouldn’t just dedicate it to the one day. x
Pinky Poinker says
You are an empathetic soul Grace. One of the best qualities a human can have. Great message in this post and a great post as usual 🙂
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Mumabulous says
At least you’ll always know you’re alive Grace 😉
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Nikki@WonderfullyWomen says
One day of active awareness is awesome but not enough, somehow we need to do this much more often. Lovely post. xx N
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Emily says
I’m not 100% on board with RUOK Day – the blanket asking as a twitter post or facebook post with no real follow-up – but I like that you’re extending it beyond one day and relating your own story. Hugs to you dear Grace. x
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mamagrace71 says
I agree, Emily. It shouldn’t just be left hanging on a Twitter or FB post. I think at the end of the day though, it’s about putting it out there. And to take on that social responsibility that if you do ask and someone does need your help, you’re there ready to listen.
Winnie @ Bubfriendly says
Thanks for the lovely reminder Grace! R U OK? Such powerful four letters which people just don’t think highly enough of. Everyday should be an R U OK day! Xxx
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Rachel_OurTownBrisbane says
Your big, warm heart is what draws people to you Grace!! Far from being a bad thing 🙂 But it can be overwhelming to feel things so deeply – I watch one of my sons go through similar experiences to what you described and I know that he too will have to find ways to make sure things don’t get out if perspective.
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Eva @ The Multitasking Mummy says
I think it’s a good thing to wear your heart on your sleeve Grace.
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Mandy, Barbie Bieber and Beyond says
#RUOK a very important question to ask our kids, especially teens, that’s what my post is all about this week, what an emotional week we have had!! Thanks for hosting Grace
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Sarah from Creating Contentment says
I’m not sure if I am ok. I keep asking myself this question, checking in on myself and making sure. I think I am hovering in this place in-between. I know that I’m not great, and I know that (today) I’m not in a bad place, yet ok seems to definitive. So, I’m not sure. And that is ok. As you say, it is about being aware and being mindful that this is where I am. xS
Sarah from Creating Contentment recently posted..R U OK? Am I OK?
mamagrace71 says
Sending hugs, Sarah. Staying mindful of your feelings is a great step x
Ai Sakura says
it is a wonderful initiative.. sometimes all we want is for someone to notice and care enough to ask if everything is all right.
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Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
I love this initiative, no one asked me but I asked myself and the answer was sort of, I know there’s things I have to change to make sure I am better and I’m working on it. Hugs and have a great weekend xx
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mamagrace71 says
Sending hugs, love. I’m always around if you need to offload x
Julie @ Off to the park says
I hate public speaking. I get so nervous so know how you must of felt Grace. I think the RU OK campaign is a great initiative, its just a shame it takes a campaign for people to ask their friends if they are ok. From experience, I know that just having someone there to listen can help. 🙂
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mamagrace71 says
Hey Julie, it is great to have someone to offload to, isn’t it. I don’t think the initiative is limited to people just asking friends, it’s about asking anyone – even random strangers. The more we take it on as a social responsibility, the better society will be for it, I think. x
Denise says
Great post Grace. I can get a bit emotional myself sometimes. I love what your psychologist said – very wise words! Have a lovely weekend 🙂
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Amanda @ Cooker and a Looker says
I’m an emotional type myself Grace. Perhaps that’s why we hit it off!
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Alicia O'Brien says
That is a very emotional speech. I always stumble too when reading stuff like that. RUOK day is a great reminder to think of those people we don’t see much and worry about. I often think of certain people, especially if I haven’t heard from them in a while and drop a line to say “How’s things?”.
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Bec @ The Plumbette says
Such a beautiful attribute to have Grace. I love that you feel so much. X
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Robyn (Mrs D) says
You are so right, three little words can change someones world. I missed it yesterday as I didn’t really get near any social media (looking after an over energetic little tot), but I’m going to make up for it by asking someone every week for the next year . P.s. You’re lovely just as you are xx
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Lizzy - Muddle-Headed Mamma says
I don’t think I’d be able to read that speech out loud without tearing up either. I think people who feel openly are beautiful and genuine. I had an embarrassing moment once when I was pregnant and had to give a speech at my friend’s wedding. I got way more emotional than you would except someone to get reading a wedding speech, I don’t know what happened to me, I hasn’t even been expecting to cry. people probably thought I was trying to steal the limelight from the bride!
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sarah@tomfo says
If we had a world of people that felt everything deeply, how wonderful would that be… we need more, I think I have the same problem as you x
Leanda Michelle says
Grace, do I empathise with you… big time! It takes a lot of courage to stand up and speak in front of an audience – regardless of the size – and to share your passionate viewpoint. What I’ve learned from people in all types of industries I’ve spoken to about speaking, is everyone feels the same. For those who seem to do it naturally, they’ve just done it more times and become more adept at it.
It’s not easy continually putting myself out there, yet I know this is what it takes. RUOK? I reckon you’re doing awesome! ♥
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Leanda Michelle says
Sensitive people share their heart ♥
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Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
Accepting yourself as you are is so important. Combine this with asking yourself (and others) RUOK? and we’d all be in a much better place. Love your honesty Grace x
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Mary Denman says
I needed to read what you said about feeling things deeply, more than you can know….thank you.
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EssentiallyJess says
That can’t be easy Grace. I don’t feel everything deeply; somethings don’t move me as much as I think they should. Other things though really effect me and it can be hard to cope with all that emotion. I hope you’re doing ok finding your balance with it all xxx
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