R U OK?
Usually I would shudder at the use of text speak but this time I’ll let it slide. You see it’s national R U OK Day.
R U OK Day is the day to inspiring all people of all backgrounds to regularly ask each other ‘Are you ok?’ It’s also the day when instead of replying “fine, sure, doing great,” you take a moment and answer honestly and you have a conversation about how you’re really doing. The foundation aims to prevent isolation by empowering people to support each other through life’s ups and downs.
So let me ask you, R U OK?
Posted on September 13, 2012, in Friends, Health, lifestyle, Love, Mental health, Relationships, Writing and tagged mental health, Mental illness, R U OK?. Bookmark the permalink. 52 Comments.
I'm a single mum to a beautiful little boy and we live in Sydney, Australia, where the water laps at our feet. I'm a physician, a would be writer, and I'm in love with my best friend.
Yes! I am okay
I am nervous about our upcoming trip overseas (my 15 year old and I are going to Thailand on a humanitarian aid trip with Destiny Rescue in January) – thinking about what I still need to do and wondering how the husband and 9 year old will go being left at home while we are away, but apart from that, I’m all good.
Now. How are you?
Fandina, ( I love this name all the more now that I know what it means) that is an exciting trip. Have you been to Thailand before? I’ve not been but I’ve imagined it’s both beautiful and difficult. There’s a lot to do to plan a trip like that but are the two staying at home planning fun things? Maybe lots of pizza?
I am really good today, thanks. I’m extremely busy at the moment. Planning the major move to the US, getting my visa sorted, tossing things out left right and centre, wondering about school for the wee beastie and studying for my US medical license. OK now that I write it all down, that’s a lot.
I think all the things I have to do stop the anxiety.
It’s first time overseas for both of us! And I’m not always that good at being the grown up in the family, so being responsible for myself and my 15 yo is a bit daunting!
My husband keeps assuring me that he will keep the little one well occupied with lots of things that I would normally veto just to make it more fun for her – gotta love a man who steps up the task 
Yes, you do have rather a lot on your plate! I agree though, when we have much to do, we are too busy to be anxious or worried about it all.
I love the spirit of adventure in your move to the US. Good on you!
First overseas trip has a lot of pressure on it to live up to everything you’ve imagined. I can relate to the worry about being the grown up. I’ve often been tempted to put my sons name down in the adult section when filling out school notes.
I love your husbands attitude there.
I am a little tired, but it’s the past seven here and I’ve only just woken up. I do have a couple of worries in life but who doesn’t
it sounds like you’ve got a very exciting journey ahead of you 
You’ve been busy Peter, and you weren’t well recently. It takes awhile to get back into the groove. Yes, I think we all have worries too, but I hope yours come to good conclusions very soon. Just a little bit of stress is good for us.
I am sure that they will all come good
I’m finally feeling like I’m getting somewhere now 
I hate to think how much planning it is taking to move countries like you are.
There are so many things I didn’t realise that had to be done. The last time I did this, I packed a suitcase. How did I get all this stuff?
It’s amazing how we collect useless items that we don’t actually need. I think I’m probably pretty bad at that lol
I’m okay! A little bit tired from work, but otherwise I’m good. I have chocolate. =D
How about you, Kate?
I just had a wine. Add that to your chocolate and we are amazing.
Great idea that gets below the superficial–so how are you?
I am great and not so great, depending on what I think about
Tell me about the not so great?
I’m pleasantly exhausted tonight. My feet ache from walking all over this house and sorting through cupboards. Why is it that the one box you need to always at the other end of the house? Other than that, I’m doing very well, very positive.
The not so great comes from worries — those niggling things that will not let you sleep. But the mere fact that you care, helps a lot. And your post inspired my post today–so drop by and read it – it is dedicated to you. Thank you for making this day known.
Oh, and the answer to your question about the one box you need always being at the other end of the house — when I get that one figured out I will tell you (lol)
I am so glad it did. Sometimes, just knowing someone is interested makes things a notch better. I will hope on over to your place and check it out….dedicated to me is so fantastic. You’ve made me smile.
It really does.
I especially love the pictures you use—and the captions!
Oops, commented on the wrong blog post. That comment was meant for “7 Things”. Never mind!
LOL perfect time to ask you James; R U OK?
SubtleKate,
Ive been redirected here by LouAnn from On the Homefront… It’s a wonderful thing to ask someone “Are you ok” (please indulge me, I cannot stand text talk). I wrote a post about my father’s suicide this week for Suicide Prevention Day, and a blogger, in a comment asked me: And how are you doing today? And I thought it was such a kind, and nice thing to ask…
I am ok. And how are you today, Subtle Kate?
Le Clown
Le Clown, goodness, I am so sorry for your loss. I hate that you had to go through that and that your father had to suffer to much to reach that point. It is tragic. I believe Are you OK day was started to coincide with Suicide Prevention Day. I hope that today you are even better.
Today I am a little a flutter. I have declined the re -enrolment at my son’s school and told them we will not be returning next year. This is a very hard school to get into and it made it real. I’m moving and I have so much today. Goodness, I’m moving.
Subtle Kate,
Thank you for your kind words. I did read on a previous post that you had decided to sell the house you had inherited from your father, right? Good for you for making a decision that is good for you and your family, even if it meant making some tough choices today, and letting them known. Kudos.
Le Clown
Thank you very much. It’s the right thing to do at the right time. I’m blowing out the last of my cobwebs.
Love this. I’m good, thank you. Getting ready to leave my starbucks ˝writing office” for my real job. Thankful for windows open at home and the arrival of cooler days and nights, even though it means getting out the allergy meds again. Have a great day!
Starbucks office – I love it. i am about to go down to my library office. They are starting to think I am stuck to the chair.
I love the change of session though mine is turning the other way. I hope you have a lovely day.
Love library offices, too (even my actual library office — ha ha. I work at an elementary school library). Also Barnes & Noble office…..Panera Bread office…..I like variety
It’s good to spread your office around. I love that idea. You work in a little kids library…that’s fantastic. Bless you.
Thank you!
I am okay. Experiencing a little extra self-doubt lately, but nothing I can’t handle. Thank you for asking.
Hope you’re okay, too.
Nice post. It serves as a good reminder to really tune into those around us.
Doubts with the release of your book? Say that again “The release of my book.” Doesn’t that sound amazing. Don’t listen to Mr Nasty ipants. He needs a glass of wine and a time out.
I like the way you put that in perspective. I think YOU deserve the glass of wine, while Mr. Nasty Pants suffers in a time out.
I love the image of Mr Nasty Pants sulking in the corner while we have a quiet moment.
I am hanging in there. I am a little burned out and overrun with exhaustion. But these are choices I made, and I’m not giving in!
I hope U R OK, too.
I like this idea, it’s really wonderful and genuine. Thanks for sharing it.
I love your fortitude and strength. I know you can hold on too, but remember to rest. I am hanging in there too, I have a load to do and a list that is longer than my arm but I’m going to hang in like you.
I.can honestly say I am ok and despite the normal stresses, am a lucky person. Thanks for this.cool and caring post Kate. I really.must catch up with your posts and do.mine.
You really must take care of you before you post and catch up. It is lovely to see you though.
I’m also doing okay. Just frustrated with some writing revisions and sick of US politics. Are you sure you’re up for them?
Oh yes, your politics is a whole basket of crazy. I don’t understand it to be honest. LOL I’m not ready for that.
Interesting approach. RU OK almost infers you recognize everyone has some wobble in their get-along. You open the door to asking bout that with the question. I like it.
wobble in their get-along – I love this. Brilliant!
I myself wobble often as I attempt to get-along in life. I’m thankful for the patience of my friends.
I love your post today Kate. It really does make a difference having someone ask and knowing that they are really interested. Today is almost over for me, but it was a good day. Sometimes my family will ask, but it feels like it is a loaded question, like they are waiting for new illness – and my answer is always “I’m ok”, because I’d rather not focus on it.
How are you? Is your recovery going well enough that you are up to the packing and planning?
That is a great point. I think having a chronic illness must make “are you OK” a difficult question, and probably one you cringe at a bit. I’ve had a few MS patients who, when I’ve asked how they are and they have replied “good” I’ve said, now tell me how you really are they they seem to relax a bit, able to actually get out the feelings rather than keep up a brave face so that those around them don’t worry. You’re a trooper, Heidi. Do you have that saying there?
I am recovering really well, which I’m pleased about. I still get tired and dizzy if I bend over too much which means I have to stagger the packing. Sometimes I delegate the kid and that works out well, but over all, I’m thrilled with the result. It was worth it. Thank you very much for asking.
Mostly. I’m doing what I want to do, I’m being who I want to be, but I’m not sure it’s sustainable and right now I’m doing it alone.
The boyfriend is hundreds of miles away which seems like a huge and sudden change from spending the last three years living together. I finished university in the summer and so suddenly my friendship group has fled across the country, each back to the places we came from, or in some cases more exciting places. My grandmother keeps telling me about things like pensions and everyone is asking what am I going to do now.
My worries and problems are all relatively small. Mostly I am happy.
I hate text speak, but thank you for asking.
Yeah, I hate text speak too but I can understand they are spreading it to a market that use it.
You have some really big life changes happening, I’m not surprised they are feeling heavy. Being away from the person you love and want in your life is very hard and now you’re friends are dispersing and starting new things. It’s a great time to take stock. I remember finishing uni and wondering what now…it seemed so sudden. I hope you’re going to have a very lovely weekend.
R U OK? I think I am OK, M8Y!
But it’s nice to have been asked! What bugs me about text speak is that people can’t always differentiate between when it is appropriate and inappropriate to use it… Orwell was a bloody clever, insightful man, that’s all I’m saying!
He sure was, Katy. I am glad you’re OK.
Wow – that’s majorly cool. Never heard of it before. People should be that way all the time. Its like they ask just to be polite, but don’t really want an answer. So strange to me.
It’s like saying hello. “hi, how are you?” We really should just stick with hello.
Pretty cool huh. I like the concept.
I am: exhausted, thrilled, happy, joyful. Today, yes, I am definitely OK!
Makes me smile to read this.