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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.
Get out the good china, and dust off your cravat, because this week we’re joined by Matt Preston to talk about grief, family and everything in between.
This episode was disgustingly good,
Bell
Bell Northeast
how do you talk about death in your family?
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.
Only 14 Summers Left
With Matt Preston
According to Matt Preston, he only has 14 more summers.
And he’s determined to make the most of them.
Known predominantly for his role on the inaugural (and incredibly successful) seasons of MasterChef Australia, alongside his excellent choice of cravats, Matt Preston is a recognisable face in most Australian households.
Joining Hugh, Ryan and Josh in the studio (in yet another incredible outfit), Matt delicately talks through the importance of having a conversation with your parents about end-of-life care.
In a decision that requires both deep emotion and administrative focus, Matt draws from his experience with his grandmother, and then his mother, about how to ensure the people you love are nurtured, cared for, and celebrated in the way they would have wanted.
For this season of your life
Have a conversation with your parents, or parental figures, about end-of-life care. (1:16:37 - 1:20:49)
The below check-list-of-sorts features the practical conversations which can help you focus on grieving after the loss of a loved one, rather than administrative chaos.
Want to know what you value? Our very own psychologist, Dr Emily has created a simple guide to help you uncover your values.
And because we value you so much, we’re going to give it to you for free.*
*All you have to do is share this newsletter with just one other person.
As soon as they sign up, you’ll get the worksheet straight in your inbox.
Or send them your unique signup link: {{rp_refer_url}}
what made you feel loved as a kid?
Moments of feeling loved were few and far between as a child.
I grew up a perfectly compliant child who made it my mission to go under the radar of any adult in my life. This was particularly present in school. I was the student who would quietly do my work, and never ask questions or ask for help when I needed it. I was the helpful kid and the trustworthy kid, but also the one who could days without being spoken to.
I wasn't 'too good' otherwise I would get praised and that was, at times, worse than being in trouble. But then I had two teachers throughout my schooling who really saw me, and who made me feel loved.
They were not fierce protectors or advocates, and they didn't need to be. I just needed someone to quietly but consistently provide the love and encouragement I needed.
These two teachers, one in primary school and one in high school, made me feel that not only was I loved, but I mattered somewhere and to someone. They would tell me I was missed if I wasn't at school, they would give me special jobs, or encouragement. They told me I had value, and importantly their love was stable and reliable. For once it wasn't earned, I was loved wholly as I was.
Not too long later, I have started my job as a teacher in a regional school, teaching 4- and 5-year-olds. We start and end every day by repeating affirmations, which concludes with them turning to the person next to them and saying 'I’m so glad you're here today'.
Through lots of therapy, I am now my own source of love, and as for my students, I know that each day they are with me they are all told they are loved, and important, and we are so glad that they are here.
Caitlin
Thank you so much for sharing your reflection with us, and with all of you! Always vulnerable responsibly.
It’s international women’s day.
(well, yesterday was).
And to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of our favourite episodes with formidable women.
Ryan - Ann was one of the first people to tell me that not knowing is okay.
Josh - Bronte showed me how great life can be when you can finally choose to live it your way.
Hugh - Difficult to put into words how extraordinary and courageous Grace is.
Bridge - An F1 race car engineer, who overcame an eating disorder to become a pastry chef of the best croissant in the world. This episode is built from hope, resilience and believing it’s possible to reignite your spark, energy and power.
George - Jess has a way of articulating heavy, important topics with care and humour.
Bell - Dr Em is incredible in everything that she does (full stop), but this episode fundamentally changed how I speak to myself.
Did this newsletter make you think of someone in particular?