Walking together, even in the rain.

On 10 September—World Suicide Prevention Day—I joined Lifeline’s 9-kilometre Out of the Shadows Walk in Caloundra.

It poured with rain. We were completely soaked. And yet, somehow, the weather didn’t dampen the spirit of the morning.

There was warmth, connection, compassion and a beautiful sense of community among everyone who showed up.

Along the walk, I had the privilege of spending time talking with three young women. One of them courageously shared deeply personal experiences of suicide within her family. Conversations like that stay with you.

What struck me most was witnessing the compassion and openness of young people, their willingness to talk about mental health, support one another and take these conversations seriously.

That is what suicide prevention is about.

It’s about creating spaces where people feel safe enough to speak.
It’s about listening without judgment.
It’s about noticing when someone may be struggling.
And it’s about reminding people that they don’t have to carry everything alone.

Lifeline is also particularly meaningful to me because it is one of the organisations that will share in the 10% of net profits I have committed to donating from my books and mentoring programs.

Being part of this walk reminded me why this work matters so much.

Sometimes, purpose becomes clearer through the people we meet, the stories we hear and the moments that remind us why we started in the first place.

I left the walk soaked, grateful, and even more certain that I am working in the right area and doing what I am meant to be doing.

Because sometimes, taking one step forward can help someone else find the courage to take theirs.