A couple of months ago we shared with you that we have been trying to have a baby for some time now (unsuccessfully). We were so touched by your heartwarming response to our challenge; your emails, your chats, your calls. We can’t tell you how appreciated and helpful your support has been. Since then, we’ve learned how prevalent fertility issues are, and how normal it is for it to take time to fall pregnant. Most importantly though, we’ve learned how liberating and comforting it is to open up and share what we are going through with others. Despite what that little voice inside our heads may tell us about having to keep things to ourselves, when we share ourselves authentically, it can have a powerful effect in more ways than one. Firstly, there is the obvious liberation that comes with getting something off our chest. Secondly, there is often a reciprocity that happens when opening up to others. And this in turn can strengthen relationships beyond what would have otherwise been possible.
We realise in hindsight how nonsensical and counter productive it was to hide our struggles from everyone (especially our immediate families). It saddens us to think how many people out there are suffering alone for fear of what others might think, or assumption that no-one will care. We know now first hand that no-one judges us for what we are going through, and that our unproductive, incessant thoughts tell us stories that aren’t necessarily true. That’s why we’ve decided to organise a ‘gathering’ for both men and women alike to share their unique experiences of fertility. No matter what stage you are at, we’d love to have you along to share your personal experiences in a safe confidential space and connect with others who are on a similar journey (see details in the flyer below).
But the issue with hiding our situation goes beyond fertility. At our last Who Cares meet-up, we were fortunate enough to hear from Ben Woods about his late brother’s struggle with Depression. Jase battled for years without ever telling any of his friends about his mental illness. Ben strongly believes that if his brother Jase had been able to share his inner situation with others, it would have made a massive difference. That’s why he is about to cycle 18 000 km around Australia in a Ride For Jase to help rid the world of the stigma and shame around mental illness. It’s also why we support the Who Care’s initiative. Each month, an intimate group of urban professionals meet up in our studio in order to share about their experiences with anxiety and/or depression. It will significantly help with your depression if you decide to take the big step in connecting with other people and learning about their experiences. By understanding what people have tried to help their mindset could help you in your journey. We know of some people who try meditation, alongside taking alternative medication, such as knowing how to microdose on mushrooms, (learn more here – topshelfshrooms.com/) to help them feel more relaxed than they ever have before. This is just one of the steps to help with depression, and we will be there with you along the way. We know it can be daunting and intimidating at first but we have created a confidential and safe space to open up and/or listen to others, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or interest.
We also want to take this opportunity to let you know that we sincerely mean it when we say we are here for you. No matter what you are going through (serious or trivial), we would be honoured to lend a listening ear, offer some words of support, or share some mindful guidance. Please be in touch 🙂
