At some point in 2021, when restrictions had only just been lifted, I was invited to a very exciting affair - my first Rabbie Burns Ball!
Finlay Munro very kindly offered to bring me up to Edinburgh to share my journey of mental ill health and the journey into creating the community that is Run Talk Run with his audience of well-dressed fundraisers on the evening.
More than half a year later, the day finally rolled around where Jake and I hopped on a plane to Edinburgh.
It was impossible to resist engaging in as many tourist attractions as we could possibly manage in the short space of time that we had to use before the night of the ball. We ran up to Arthurs Seat, we had coffee with RTR Glasgow Leader Michael, went up to the castle and walked endlessly around the little alleyways, nipping in and out of pubs as we went.
The Rabbie Burns Ball itself was a fundraising event like no other. A beautifully laid out ballroom in pink, black and white (colours of charity SAMH) facilitated a whole room full of carefully dressed men and women… many donning a spot of tartan too, of course.
After a theatrical addressing of the haggis, a few poems recited, and a wonderful dinner had by all, it was time to deliver my talk.
My journey is something I’m used to sharing frequently, and as soon as I had made my initial address to the room I found myself sinking into just enjoying a rare and beautiful opportunity to be vulnerable in front of a whole room full of people, “IRL”.
I felt compelled to share what I’ve learned from the runners and walkers I’ve met in the RTR community. Their unrivalled resilience is something we can all aspire to acquire in our lives. They have self awareness, perspective and self compassion. They understand the importance of community, connection and laughter.
In a room of 170 people I laid my soul bare, I allowed myself to share my insecurities and what I truly admire in the people that I now call friends at Run Talk Run.
I am so very grateful for this opportunity to be a part of such an incredible event that raised an astonishingly large amount of money for SAMH.
