Jason Bennett

Final post and thanks x

Saturday 13th Aug A final post about my #ksforruok challenge over the month of July and it may be long. Without intending to sound contrived, the experience has had an enormous impact on my life. It has brought about some positive change personally, as well as the knowledge that the funds I raised are being used to assist those in our community to ask R U OK? and promote awareness of mental health and encourage people to reach out to those around them. Self-harm and suicide are tragic, yet far too common, occurrences around us. Often people just don’t know that a family member, friend, or colleague have internalised a battle that they think they have to win by themselves. Other times, people reach out for help and aren’t given the support, kindness, and love they need. Bullying is regularly the covert strength that feeds the internalised battle of those fighting self-doubt, low self-image and self-efficacy and I’ve seen first hand how this scourge can be systemically enabled in schools and workplaces. It is difficult, sometimes to the point of impossibility, for those in these battles to ask for help. This is why it is vital that asking those we love and care for if they are indeed ok can make a significant difference to their lives. Become their ally, you don’t have to know the answers. Let them know they are not alone, but don’t just say the words. Take up the sword from their sometimes exhausted hands and help them slay the demon of helplessness. Be kind, with words sure, but deeds as well. They might well be ok but always ask. It’s simply this; Love is the message, please share it. I wanted to include my daughter in the photo of my last #ksforruok post to acknowledge the real inspiration for me getting myself up and walking every day for this challenge. They are such a beautiful soul with so much to share with the world. Yes, they are in a battle but they are certainly not fighting alone. Paula and Jay-Jay provide me with strength of love to wrap my hands around Aria’s and wield that sword alongside her. One day we will overcome and bring light, and flowers will grow in the vanquished darkness. Finally, inspiration also came from the sweet souls that supported me over the challenge. Olivia Sue Wales Donna Ken KT Lucia Odette Lindsay Amanda Judy Sally Maria Seana Suzanne Pete Liss Rhonda Paula Cat Mik Bridget Juanita Mark Rowie Jessica Lyllie Michael Renee Helen Jenny Keith Jenny Diane Annie and Matt from Fitness Games Jan Oram. I ended up raising $1102 and I walked 154kms over the month of July for R U Ok? Thanks to those who sent me kind words and messages, to the strangers on my walks who smiled and waved, and to Juliette's for the coffees and space to cool down and reflect. I’m continuing walking, not only for the obvious health benefits, but to remind myself how lucky I am to have you all in my life in some way. Peace and love x Share

Day 29

Sunday 31st Jul Tonight’s walk was hard work. I had the day off school because I wasn’t feeling so good then realised I still needed to get up and out there. Managed to add another 8kms for #ksforruok so in the end it was worth it. I’m only 2 days out from the end of the challenge and have 5kms to go. It’s affirming that I’ve been supported by such sweet sweet souls and that they’ve helped me raise awareness of how a conversation can change a life and how their donations help R U OK provide resources to the community. I’m looking forward to smashing my walking goal and I’m hopeful that you guys will help me nudge my fundraising just a little more. If you can, consider sponsoring me as I round out this challenge. The link is above. Truly, I’m humbled each day that people care enough to support me. Peace and love x Share

Day 21

Thursday 21st Jul Day 21 and I’m into triple figures for my #ksforruok challenge. It’s been a big week of Mulkadee rehearsals but I’ve managed to keep chipping away. It took an effort bigger than my head to drop another 10kms towards my goal today. Here’s a photo of my head for reference. If you’re keen and able, I’d love your support through the link on this page . It’s all helps R U OK provide valuable resources to others. Hope you’re all ok and if you aren’t, you’re not alone. Reach out to someone or just send me a message for a chat. Peace and love x Share

Day 17

Sunday 17th Jul I’ve passed the halfway mark of July and my #ksforruok challenge. A beautiful afternoon to finish off my first 10km day. I still sense passers-by seeing the R U OK shirt and I wonder if they might ask someone in their lives if they are indeed ok. You know what? It’s totally ok to be not ok but we, as collective good humans, should always ask. In other news, I found a new friend on my walk and she agreed to be in my photo post today 😉 As always, I’m super appreciative of those who have supported me with donations and kind words. It’s a truly humbling experience. If you’d like to chip in as I stare down the 2nd half of my challenge, I’ve popped the link in the comments below. Peace and love x Share

Day 11

Monday 11th Jul Day 11 and I’m over a third of the way to my 150km goal for #ksforruok First day back at school today so could’ve easily melted and not made the effort. I’m glad I did as I added another 6kms and got to break in the new shirt. What is interesting is that what would normally be a nondescript walk was brightened by smiles and waves and thumbs up from others out and about. R U OK? A conversation could change a life. I’d love to hear how everyone is going so drop a comment below. Another shoutout to my supporters so far. If you can, I’d appreciate your support via the link in the comments. Peace and love x Share

Day 7

Thursday 7th Jul Some days are harder than others as is well known but I picked myself up and clocked another 6kms towards my goal. Often, I’ll stop in at Juliette’s for a coffee at the end of my walks, finish my podcast, and just watch the world go by and enjoy the neurotransmitters. Shout out to the wonderful people who have supported me so far. If you can, consider supporting my #KSFORRUOK Peace and love x Share

Day 4

Monday 4th Jul Braved the unusually cool and grey weather to get some more #ksforruok. If you know anyone who isn’t always ok, you will know that they are brave ones, getting up each day and getting through things. This is where your support will help. R U OK provide much needed resources to help more people ask this important and potentially life-changing question. Share

Day 1

Friday 1st Jul Thanks to the wonderful humans who’ve supported me so far through their donations and generosity of spirit. It’s feeling good. Peace and love x Share

I’m ready!

Thursday 30th Jun I’m looking forward to the challenge of K’s for R U Ok. For some time I’ve allowed my mental health to prevent me from making better lifestyle choices like regular exercise and healthier food options. About 8 weeks ago I made the conscious decision to say to myself, this is not ok. I’ve started the journey by making better choices including doing 10000 steps for all but 1 day over the last 8 weeks. I feel better for this physically. I’m still a work in progress mentally but this challenge will hopefully raise some funds to help the battles that many face each day, be a little easier. If you can, please consider sponsoring me or just sending a few dollars to the R U Ok? website. Peace and love x Share