Thursday September 10 was RUOK day.
This has come at an appropriate time, as Tasmania sits at what we hope will be the diminishing of COVID-19. While we are in our bubble of safety at the moment, Tasmanians have still been through the issues that a pandemic presents, including dealing with relatives who live in areas of the world that are not as safe.
My call to arms to you regardless of how safe you feel, or how fortunate you are, is to take a moment to check in with someone to see how they are going. A relative, friend or a work colleague. Touch base with them and see how they are. How is their work situation? Family? Headspace?
Some signs to look out for, that stress can cause, are excessive fear and worry about one’s own health, or the health of loved ones. Many families are struggling with the loss of businesses or income, putting pressure on paying bills and mortgages. Many people suffer from changes in sleep and eating patterns. The lack of sleep alone can cause already existing anxiety to worsen. A difficulty in concentration is also common, especially if sleep loss is present. One alone or a mixture of these can also lead to worry and depression.
Most of us say we’re okay, even when we’re not. It’s what we do culturally, so if you hear someone is saying they are okay, take the time to ask them other questions about their lives that may lead to them opening up about what is really happenng. Asking how their family and relatives are or how their work is going can be a good start to opening up a conversation.
God’s word always provides some great advice on life. Philippians 4:6-7 shares “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
By pausing in Gods presence and spending time thinking and in prayer, this often leads one’s mind to finding solutions to life’s problems, or an understanding of what is happening and why.
So, find someone today and ask them RU OK. Sit and spend thinking and praying, and don’t forget to be open to others and ask for help if you need it.
Ed Moroni — Secondary Coordinator
