Catch-up, Culture & Navigating a Low Season

Episode 11

This one’s a heart-to-heart catch-up from the past couple of weeks.. a season where depression was hanging heavy, and my body told me to stop and rest… so I listened. I share what it was like to have that uninterrupted downtime, while also navigating the grief of losing our beautiful Brookie, and the quiet grief of relationships that have moved on.

I unpack how multiple factors; from negative self-talk to feelings of “not enough” were feeding my low mood, but also how reflection showed me I’d actually been doing a lot to fill my own cup and grow my knowledge. That in itself was a big reminder: depression often clouds the truth, making it hard to recognise the good we’re doing for ourselves.

Part of this season meant stepping out of my comfort zone to attend a community rugby fono. This wasn’t just about the sport, it was about being part of something bigger, about community. The talanoa at this fono was powerful, deep, and at times, challenging. We explored culture and identity, topics that hit home for me and made me reflect on my own journey of connection.

It can be hard to feel truly connected to culture when you weren’t brought up in a fully “traditional” way. There are moments where you feel like you’re standing on the outside looking in. Sometimes people in the community make it clear they see you as “less than” because you don’t speak the language fluently or you didn’t grow up with all the customs. That judgment can sting, and for me, it’s led to times where I’ve questioned if I even belong.

I’ve realised my deepest moments of cultural connection have been with my elders; my grandparents, aunties, uncles, and church community. These spaces carry love, wisdom, and history. But they can also feel isolating when language becomes a barrier or when you feel like you have to “prove” your connection to your culture.

The rugby fono helped me see something important… I’m at a stage in my life where I can choose to take action. I can research, learn, and immerse myself in culture on my own terms. I can explore the stories, traditions, and history that make up who I am. And most importantly, I can pass this connection down to my children, so they grow up knowing exactly where they come from and feeling proud of it.

Low seasons have a way of making us feel stuck. But I’ve learned they can also create space for deep reflection and clarity. It’s not about rushing to “fix” the low mood, but about honouring the time your mind and body need to rest, and gently guiding yourself towards the things that give you meaning.

If you’re going through a low season, I want you to know… you are not falling behind. Resting is part of moving forward. Your worth is not measured by how “busy” you are. Sometimes the most powerful work you can do is the quiet, unseen work of healing, reflecting, and reconnecting.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:

Australia

- Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- 13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Support): 13 92 76

New Zealand

- Lifeline New Zealand: 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP)
- Need to Talk? Call or text 1737
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 or free text 234