Today (Thursday 11 September) is R U OK? Day—a national reminder to pause, check in, and ask the question that can change a life: Are you OK?
But before we reach out to others, it’s worth asking ourselves the same question: Am I OK?
In Aboriginal culture, there’s a practice called Dadirri—meaning “inner deep listening and quiet still awareness and waiting.”
It’s more than just hearing words; it’s creating a space of calm, attention, and respect, where both others and ourselves feel seen and heard.
Listening with this depth is powerful.
When we ask someone Are you OK? and truly listen to their answer, it can be a complete game changer—for them to feel supported, valued, and not alone.
Your words, your presence, your kindness—towards others and towards yourself—matter more than you know. Checking in doesn’t need to wait for a special day. If someone crosses your mind, reach out. Say hello. Listen deeply.
But this kind of listening also extends inward.
Life has a way of distracting us with daily drama—work deadlines, family responsibilities, bills to pay. We keep moving across the stage of life, mowing the lawn, taking the calls, turning up as required.
And sometimes, somewhere along the way, we stop noticing ourselves. We stop being OK.
So this R U OK? Day, pause. Ask yourself:
- Am I OK?
- If not, why?
- Can I imagine the OK version of me I’d rather be?
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please reach out to:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
And if part of what’s making you “not OK” is your work, and you’re ready for change, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can help you move toward a future where you feel more like yourself again.
Our team is here to listen and guide you:
📞 1300 793 002
📧 hello@churchilleducation.edu.au
