How to maintain authenticity when asking the question on everyone's lips.
Tomorrow, 11th September, is RUOK? Day’s National Day of Action - a reminder for all of us to slow down, check in, and ask that simple but powerful question: “Are you OK?”
It can feel tricky or even awkward to ask, especially if you’re worried about saying the wrong thing. But trust me - asking is always better than staying silent. And when it comes from a place of care, it can change - and even save - a life. However, what you really don't want is to sound insincere, like the only reason you're asking is to jump on the RUOK? Day bandwagon for one day of the year. But don't worry - I've got some top tips for showing up authentically and with genuine care below.
First things first: Are you OK?
Before you can check in on anyone else, it’s important to check in with yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, flat, or just riding the emotional rollercoaster of life - that’s okay. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
If you need support, RUOK? Day has great resources on their website here
And if you're up for it - I'm starting a movement on instagram tomorrow morning with a callout to anyone who feels brave enough to share how they're feeling. I believe in healing loudly so others don’t suffer quietly, and our collective bravery and honesty will show others struggling that they are not alone.
Simple but effective ideas to ask a genuine RUOK?
- 💛 Make it casual - Sit down with a cuppa, go for a walk, or hang out in the car after school pick-up. Often conversations flow best when you’re doing something side by side.
- 💛 Bring food (because food helps everything) - Many local bakers and cafés run RUOK? Day fundraisers with yellow-themed treats that give back. Sharing food makes the moment feel less heavy and more about connection.
- 💛 Get everyone to write something kind - Ask your family or group of mates to jot down one thing they love or appreciate about each other. Swap the notes or put them in envelopes. It sounds small - but these words can mean the world when someone’s struggling.
- 💛 Use the resources - You don’t have to have all the answers. If someone opens up, lean on tools like RUOK? Conversation Steps to guide you.
- 💛 Trust your gut - If you’re genuinely worried about someone, suggest a coffee date, a dog walk, or another chance to chat one-on-one. Sometimes the quietest moments are where the biggest truths come out.
- Not sure how to get started? Check out the simple guide below 👇🏼 and find a wealth of other super-handy resources here
Our Pebbly Path Promise
At Pebbly Path, we live and breathe mental wellbeing. RUOK? Day is an important reminder for us all, and we're passionately raising awareness for the cause, but if you're wondering why we aren't raising money for them with a special yellow edition of rocky road, it's because we are already year-round supporters of LIVIN. If you don't already know - LIVIN is a mental health organisation that educates people about mental health issues and how to seek help. You can read more about it here.
This year, our team has made the decision to postpone our own RUOK? Day morning tea because we are seriously under the pump (thanks to our much-delayed Pavlova boxes finally arriving 🙌). And you know what? That was the right decision for us. Sometimes the most important choice you can make is the one that takes pressure off your people.
So tomorrow - whether it’s with your mates, your kids, your neighbour, or even yourself - take a moment to ask: “Are you OK?” It’s a small question that can make a massive difference.
Much love, much mental wellness, and as always, much chocolate.
Tash x
Founder + Chief Taste Tester, Pebbly Path
Proudly supporting LIVIN + raising awareness for RUOK? Day
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