R U OK Day

By Freya Anastasia Hatfield

Today we reach out and ask the big question.

A question it seems gets lost on any other day.

It’s three little words that simply pass us by

So easy to say, yet so hard when said out loud

Are you OK?

It’s a reminder not just for today but every day.

Not just for this year but every year 

To remind you to ask your friends and whanau.

Ask your colleagues and strangers.

Reminding them to ask their loved ones

Are you OK?

It can be from how they are coping with day to day life.

How they are coping with family and work-life

Mentally, emotionally, physically and even spiritually

It doesn’t just go skin deep, how we feel can affect every cell.

Are you OK?

It should be as natural as saying hi to someone you walk past.

As easy as a simple wave, to someone on the street

A fraise that gets said every day not just today

Second nature for us all to remember.

Are you OK?

This is your reminder for today, this week and every day.

Ask those you love and care about, even those you don’t

Don’t let it stop there, talk, let them know you are there.

If they respond with a no, don’t walk away, 

Arrange a time for when you can sit and talk,

It’s betting knowing you have someone there then no one at all.

Are you OK?

It doesn’t affect one age group, ask everyone from young and old.

Especially those who are on their own, check on your neighbours.

And those who live on your street, you may not talk every day.

But today make it the exception where you start.

Are you OK?

It isn’t hard to say or do, so make it part of your daily routine.

Whether it’s in person, or it’s online.

Spread the question and spread some smiles

R U OK day happens once a year, it should be said every day.

So I now ask you those three simple word.

Are you OK?

Little endnote

Thank you so much for reading this blog post, I know it may seem like this should have been a Monday upload but it seemed apt to upload it today as today in Australia is R U OK Day? It’s a national day where we ask people we walk pass, work or live with if they are OK. Its a little reminder that every day we should be asking that question. So whether you are in Australia or not, I recommend that wherever you are, ask the next person you see if they are OK, you could be surprised by their response, if they say they’re good that’s great, if their answer is no, have a talk with them let them know they are not along and for at least a little while they have someone to talk to, you could change their day.

If you are in Australia here is the R U OK? website, it gives you more information on how to ask, the signs to look out for if someone isn’t OK, what you can do to help and if you can a link to donate to help spread the awareness and help more Aussies learn and know about R U OK Day?  https://www.ruok.org.au/  

Thank you again for reading, I hope wherever you are you have a lovely day and don’t forget to ask are you OK? Not just today but every day.

Love always Thinking out loud xx :D