I had an absolute privilege on Thursday night.
I got to see Sir John Kirwan speak. I'm a huge fan of his, not because he was an All Black or rugby coach or anything to do with sport (I don't actually give a rats about rugby) but because of his work for mental health.
To me, he wasn't this legendary winger, he was the guy on TV that spoke about his depression, and how he got through. It wasn't until I read his fantastic book, All Blacks Don't Cry, that it really even clicked he had been an All Black!
So anyway, a coupe of years ago I read his book, and then got most of my family to read it, though it's only just occurred to me my husband didn't read it (in fairness he's only started reading in the past year hence the oversight). In the book, John Kirwan describes his life with depression and massive anxiety attacks, even at the height of his rugby playing career. The way he wrote really hit home with me. It was like he'd been inside my head! He understood. I wasn't the only one. And he also gave some great advice for how to deal with the illness (it's an illness, NOT a weakness, he was very clear on that last night!). It's a great book for those close to people with depression too, as it gives that insight that's just so hard to describe.
When I heard John would be speaking at a time and place I could actually get to, I jumped at the chance. So there I was in a room full of people, but all by myself as no one I knew could go with me. That's how keen I was to go! (Normally I'd need a back up or side kick for attending things). And as I sat listening to him speak I both felt immensely emotional, as it brought to the surface the memory of many times I'd rather forget, and hugely, crazily inspired.
He said many things that stuck with me but the biggest one was about telling God your goals so he has something to laugh at. And although I don't want my dreams to be laughed at, I realised if I never actually put them out there to the world they would never be fulfilled. I couldn't reach for them if they were still bottled inside my mind.
And so here I'm going to say to you and tell the world, I'm writing. (I mean more than just this blog post). For years I've wanted to write, to be an author, but I never had a story to tell (apparently that makes me quite odd, but regardless!). Then over time and with some help from various influences, I came up with my story. I've started the story, but I kept letting it slip. This week's experience was just one more pull for me to get back into it. It wasn't just a little tug either, it was a big, giant, neon sign saying, "This is what you should be doing!"
And so I'm shoving it up my priority list and hopefully soon you'll have a new book to read! In the meantime, go read All Blacks Don't Cry by John Kirwan and have a discussion with someone about depression. You never know what might come of it!
I got to see Sir John Kirwan speak. I'm a huge fan of his, not because he was an All Black or rugby coach or anything to do with sport (I don't actually give a rats about rugby) but because of his work for mental health.
To me, he wasn't this legendary winger, he was the guy on TV that spoke about his depression, and how he got through. It wasn't until I read his fantastic book, All Blacks Don't Cry, that it really even clicked he had been an All Black!
So anyway, a coupe of years ago I read his book, and then got most of my family to read it, though it's only just occurred to me my husband didn't read it (in fairness he's only started reading in the past year hence the oversight). In the book, John Kirwan describes his life with depression and massive anxiety attacks, even at the height of his rugby playing career. The way he wrote really hit home with me. It was like he'd been inside my head! He understood. I wasn't the only one. And he also gave some great advice for how to deal with the illness (it's an illness, NOT a weakness, he was very clear on that last night!). It's a great book for those close to people with depression too, as it gives that insight that's just so hard to describe.
When I heard John would be speaking at a time and place I could actually get to, I jumped at the chance. So there I was in a room full of people, but all by myself as no one I knew could go with me. That's how keen I was to go! (Normally I'd need a back up or side kick for attending things). And as I sat listening to him speak I both felt immensely emotional, as it brought to the surface the memory of many times I'd rather forget, and hugely, crazily inspired.
He said many things that stuck with me but the biggest one was about telling God your goals so he has something to laugh at. And although I don't want my dreams to be laughed at, I realised if I never actually put them out there to the world they would never be fulfilled. I couldn't reach for them if they were still bottled inside my mind.
And so here I'm going to say to you and tell the world, I'm writing. (I mean more than just this blog post). For years I've wanted to write, to be an author, but I never had a story to tell (apparently that makes me quite odd, but regardless!). Then over time and with some help from various influences, I came up with my story. I've started the story, but I kept letting it slip. This week's experience was just one more pull for me to get back into it. It wasn't just a little tug either, it was a big, giant, neon sign saying, "This is what you should be doing!"
And so I'm shoving it up my priority list and hopefully soon you'll have a new book to read! In the meantime, go read All Blacks Don't Cry by John Kirwan and have a discussion with someone about depression. You never know what might come of it!