Are u OK..to Connect with Others?

Its ‘Are you OK’ day today.

In the past I was sceptical, now I am a firm believer. Why? Because of a few things.

1. Beyond the superficially stereotyped statement lies an amazing story of its origins, which is heartbreaking then uplifting. Look up the story of Kevin Hines, and how in his deepest distress and highly suicidal, he yearned connection. However, instead of being asked if he was alright he was asked by a person to take a picture of them, on the Golden Gate Bridge. I plead to you all: Don’t be the Selfie, selfish tourist person. Be instead a compassionate tourist, and if you see someone in distress, ask if they are ok, and give them permission and time to talk if they are not. We are all tourists after all, and we all share this same destination in this same timeframe on this transient journey that is our lives.

2. Our world needs more Compassion and Connection. If we look at recent Suicide statistics, Suicide is the number one cause of death in those aged between 15-44 (of which three quarters are MEN). Suicide rates are particularly high in our Indigenous population, LGBTI and migrants/refugees. We can all engage in small acts of connection, and in doing so begin to dissolve the arbitrary ‘Us’ versus ‘Them’ distinctions. As human beings, we should have evolved beyond the pure survival based competitive instincts that perpetuate these distinctions, and integrate into our behaviours acts that are more aligned with co-operation and flavoured with empathy. We all CAN do this.

3. This day is a powerful symbolic reminder that we ALL are worthwhile, we ALL deserved to be loved, we ALL can create meaning and purpose in our collective lives. And we ALL can help each other by connecting in an engaged, genuine manner. I think that it is the cumulative power of small acts of kindness from us as a collective, that will reduce suicide rates and make the world a better place. And this also asks us to reclaim responsibility, express our courage in showing our shared vulnerabilities and commit to a pattern of actions that honor ourselves by contributing to the welfare and well being of our fellow humans.

As a good friend of mine keeps reminding me: “You can never be rich…until you have what money can’t buy”.

Have a great day all. And remember, never be ashamed to ask for help, professional help if need be.