Welcome to my imperfect email.
As always, every week, we’ll send a question that will help you reflect on your own imperfect life, inspired by this week’s episode.
This week, Dr Em wants us to consider the importance of belonging (as like, a biological need). Luckily for you, you’ll always have a place in our hearts (and, more practically, the wider Imperfects community).
Love ya,
Bell Northeast
describe a time when someone made you feel like you belong?
We'd love to hear your answer to this question. If you're in the mood to get vulnerable and share your writing, send it through.
who are you in your wildest dreams? describe the scene. how do you feel?
When I close my eyes, after a long day, in my wildest dreams I see myself smiling without effort, free from petty irritations and accumulated resentment towards those I love.
I’m more fun, more relaxed. I laugh out loud from my belly, not only during holidays, weekends away with friends and romantic getaways, but also on weekdays after school pick up. I don’t shout and I’m not as stubborn.
In my wildest dreams I know how to be a mom that doesn’t doubt herself. How to parent without the inherit need to power over, and then regret it every step of the way. I imagine myself ditching the constant ‘NO’ that has made its way into my vocabulary, and the most common answer I have for my children.
Im my dreams I embrace ‘YES’ despite the discomfort and difficulties it might bring. I let go and let others take the lead. I let outsourcing be the key. Let pleasure lead.
In my wildest dreams I’m more like the girl I used to be.
Inga from Poland
Thank you to Inga for getting vulnerable and sharing their reflection with us, and with all of you!
Always vulnerable responsibly.
We’re Longing for Belonging
With Dr Emily Musgrove
Do you ever wonder whether you belong?
According to Dr Emily Musgrove, our resident psychologist, belonging is an evolutionary need, literally built into our DNA.
And in our current loneliness epidemic, the feeling of belonging uncertainty can impact our sense of safety, identity and even physical health.
This week, Dr Em goes into the intolerable state of uncertainty, and the self-fulfilling prophecy we may induce when trying to protect ourselves. Unfortunately, for all of us introverts, creating connection involves risk.
On the flip side, Dr Em explains the benefits to seeking perspective and crafting situations to help others feel like they belong.
AND with a guest star appearance from Producer Bridge, we unpack what it looks and feels like to get it wrong, and how you can work to get it right.
B B B B Bonus episode time!
Well, well, well, it’s time to prove things.
Today we’re jumping in your ears for a public service announcement: The Resilience Project (TRP) is officially backed by some rock-hard, super-sciencey evidence.
Founded by our very own Hugh (you know, from the podcast), TRP delivers emotionally engaging programs to over 1000 schools across Australia, as well as workplaces and sporting clubs.
This longitudinal, independent study conducted by Roshini Balasooriya Lekamge is peer reviewed (no Ryan, not that pier), published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, and most importantly, highlights a staggering decrease in depression and anxiety for kids who are engaged with TRP programs and content. Yay!
We hope you love this news as much as we do xx
🧐To read this study yourself, click here!