Uncomfortable conversations on the agenda at book launch

THE complex nature of intra-family relationships will be the subject of a forthcoming talk led by local wellbeing mentor and author Gayle Wilson.

The talk coincides with the launch of Ms Wilson’s memoir – Where the Waves Break – a “warts and all” journey that charts her most challenging life experiences, including a life-altering family tragedy.

The book covers how Ms Wilson used the “quiet of grief” to find the space to reconnect and rebuild herself in the years following, which she hopes will help others heal themselves and reconnect with their families.

Ms Wilson said the talk, which also features mental health practitioner and psychotherapist Solitaire Meerman, is about the power of uncomfortable conversations.

“I grew up in a family that had horrendous mental health problems through it,” she explained.

“We hid it because of this discomfort with being able to not just say what’s wrong, but for other people to be able to hear it and not try to fix it.

“When we can’t fix something, we turn away from it, we throw our hands up in the air, and that’s happening for people all the time.

“(So) part of writing the book was about these conversations.

“By (attending the talk) we know that people can become the ripple effect of goodness, and won’t feel so ashamed to come out and say, ‘Things are really hard’ or ‘I’m so disconnected to myself, things are scary for me’.”

Ms Wilson is also calling out for philanthropic families or businesses to purchase bundles of the book to be donated to remote rural libraries and drug and alcohol and mental health clinics.

Interested parties can contact [email protected] for further information.

Breaking Waves, Breaking Silence: The Power of Uncomfortable Conversations takes place at MacKenzie Quarters on Thursday 5 June from 6pm to 9pm. Official proceedings start at 6.30pm.

Tickets, which include drinks and canapes on arrival (with $5 per person to be donated to Lifeline Loddon Mallee), can be purchased on the Humanitix website. Where the Waves Break can be purchased on the night or via the Soul Care Healing website.