01 · ABOUT THE PERSON BEHIND THE LETTERS
Grief changed the way I see people.
I lost my nephew to suicide, and my dad to cancer.
Those losses are part of my story. They’ve also changed how I listen to other people’s stories.
I know there can be so much behind the words ‘I’m fine.’ And how difficult it can be to explain what you’re carrying, even to people who love you.
I won’t assume that your experience feels like mine. But I will take the time to listen to what it feels like for you.
Grief didn’t give me all the answers. It taught me to listen differently.
Why I listen
Some of the most honest messages I’ve received have begun with, ‘I’m sorry for telling you this.’
I think about how much someone might already be carrying, to worry that sharing it could be too much.
You never need to apologise for telling me the truth about how you’re doing. You don’t have to find the perfect words, or know where to begin.
Those conversations are why I created Tell Me Over Coffee. A place to write about what you’re going through and receive a personal letter back from me.
You can write about grief, loneliness, change, or something you haven’t found the words for yet.
I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I can promise to hold space for you to be heard.
Why coffee
There is something familiar about talking over a cup of something. It can make an honest conversation feel a little easier to begin. That is the spirit behind Tell Me Over Coffee, even though our conversation happens through letters.
Before you write
This is personal correspondence, not therapy or crisis support.
If you need somewhere to put it into words, you can write to me.
Write your letter