The Importance of a Father Figure
Did you know it is RUOK DAY today - 12th September. The theme for RUOK Day 2024 is "I am here to hear".
So I felt it was a great day for two things:
1. To ask....RUOK?...and share a little about the day
2. To share my very first talk called "The Importance of a Father Figure"
This talk was also published as an article in the Australian Kinesiology Association’s In Touch Magazine (Issue #152, Summer 2024)
RUOK Day
In 1995, much-loved Barry Larkin was far from OK. His suicide left family and friends in deep grief and with endless questions. In 2009, his son Gavin Larkin chose to champion just one question to honour his father and to try and protect other families from the pain his endured: 'Are you OK?' . This simple question has led to a national Suicide Prevention Charity.
And my talk, I did this as an exercise in a training program. When I read it out to my fellow training buddies, it was met with such gratitude, praise and acknowledgement that I decided to step fully into my vulnerability and fear. I decided to take the step and record it and post it onto my You Tube Channel.
So it took me 2 months to get it happening. Fear stopping me along the way. Not having any clue of how to record myself and show slides and then how to not look like a dick!
Many attempts and I have a "not perfect" end product. But it is an end product that I am proud of because I got past fear and I stepped through my discomfort. To share this talk is my universal call for us all to care for one another.
I would love you to comment below with your thoughts about my talk and if it stirs something in you - do reach out.
I also and more importantly invite you to ask your family, friends and the person in the street.....RUOK? Because I believe we as a society have to step up and start hearing and listening to one another, speaking out and ultimately start to care.
You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/f2_WpMaUWiM
Remember if you do need help please reach out to Zoe at Zode Kinesiology or if things are in crisis - make a call to:
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
Kids Help Line - 1800 551 800
Men's Help Line - 1300 789 978
Mental Health Help Line - 1800 011 511