Matthew Johnstone's Blog, page 2

RUOK? day

Presentation at W.H.O

We are back from our whirlwind trip of Europe ending with a our talk and presentation at W.H.O in Geneva (you can spot Ainsley and I under the right corner of the screen); which I have to say will go down as a life milestone for us both. It was amazing to be in that extraordinary building, presenting to leaders in mental health and wellbeing from all over the world.

While we were there W.H.O released an international report on Suicide; among other things, it came out with the staggering statistic that someone takes their life every 40 seconds. Suicide is the permanent solution to a temporary problem. Which brings us today, it’s RUOK? day https://www.ruok.org.au. This is a wonderful initiative to encourage people to reach out and check in on someone. Taking the time to put your ‘metaphorical’ hand on someones shoulder can not only change a life but it can save a life.

Today, oddly enough, is also the 13th anniversary of 9/11 attacks in New York. It still seems surreal to think that I was standing a block from those buildings when they came down. A truly terrible event, but will always be a constant reminder that life is short, we don’t know what’s around the corner; therefore we should embrace each day and live it fully. I hope this finds you well, happy and safe where ever you might be. Mj

Sweet Retreat at the Golden Door

On Sunday I returned from taking a 3 day retreat at the wonderful Golden Door Elysia http://www.goldendoor.com.au in the Hunter Valley. Had the biggest group (20 all up) I’ve had since I’ve been taking these sessions and what an amazing group of individuals they were. There was much laughter, sharing of stories and lovely moments of poignancy. There were also 3 senior people from Ovations International http://www.ovations.com.au (speakers bureau) including the CEO. Having these soughts of people in the audience is like playing in a band knowing there’s a talent agent from a major record label in the audience. Although I was a tad nervous having them bought a certain focus to what I was doing. I was pretty knackered at the end of it all but I have to say I felt like someone who just had an amazing meal – very content. Thank you to all who came.