News from the Room
Grief is isolating. It has a way of making you feel like you’re standing still while the rest of the world just keeps moving forward. But I’ve found that when you reach out to help someone else walking a similar path, something powerful happens.
Helping others doesn’t mean you’ve “figured it all out” or that you’ve reached some mythical finish line in your own grief. It’s not about having the answers. It’s about showing up, sharing your story, or simply being there for someone else who’s struggling. There’s something incredibly healing in that shared vulnerability—it creates a connection, a reminder that none of us are truly alone in this.
It also shifts your focus. When you step outside of your own pain to help someone else, even in a small way, it can change how you see your journey. It gives your experience meaning, a sense that all this hurt might actually be building toward something bigger. It’s a way to turn pain into purpose.
This idea is at the heart of everything I do with Room Eleven. Sharing my story, creating spaces for others to share theirs—it’s been a huge part of my own healing. I’ve seen firsthand how offering a hand to someone else can help you heal too.
It’s not about fixing anyone’s grief—grief isn’t something you fix. It’s about walking alongside someone else, being there when they need it, and letting them know they’re not alone. In doing so, you’ll often find that you’re not alone either.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to move forward, maybe start here: think about who you could help today. It doesn’t need to be a grand gesture; sometimes, just listening or offering a kind word is enough to make a difference—for them and for you.
The 411
This Week at Room Eleven
Published: Supporting Families Through Loss – A Cochrane Milestone
Exciting news! A protocol I contributed to alongside members of the Stillbirth CRE, "Support for Parents and Families After Stillbirth and Neonatal Death," has officially been published in the Cochrane Library. It’s now part of this month’s issue of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR).
This is a significant milestone, as it brings more attention to the critical work being done to support families navigating stillbirth and neonatal loss. I’m honoured to have been included in the great team that helmed this project and look forward to continuing the review process in the months ahead.
Bringing Connection Through Sport: Exploring a Bereavement Football Club in Australia
This week, I’ve started discussions with Honeysuckle FC, a football club in the UK created specifically for bereaved individuals. Their mission is remarkable: to foster connection, community, and healing through sport for those navigating loss. I first came across their work at the Stillbirth Conference in Colombo, where their leaders gave an inspiring presentation about the impact they’ve had. Affiliated with Liverpool FC and backed by data gathered from bereaved men and their families in partnership with a local university, they’ve built an evidence-based approach to measuring impact and ensuring quality in every session.
What stood out most was how they’ve made the voices of bereaved individuals—in this case, Dad’s—the driving force for improving bereavement care. The idea of replicating their format here in Australia feels both challenging and exciting.
I’m hopeful we can get things moving, as I’ve already sparked interest with some amazing people at the Royal Women’s Hospital. Leveraging their support, along with a couple contacts I have within the AFL, could really bring this idea to life. I’ll keep you updated as these conversations develop—watch this space!
Turning Pain Into Purpose: A Letter to My Past Self
In other news, earlier this year, I contributed to a book project that’s close to my heart. My piece was a letter to my past self during the time we lost Billie, offering advice and resources for others who might be in the eye of the storm. I just received an update that the editors are thrilled with how it’s turning out.
Hearing this news felt incredibly validating, and I’m looking forward to seeing the final version.
These projects remind me of the power of collective effort and the ripple effect of meaningful work—it’s all about turning pain into purpose.
Quote I’m Pondering
"Passion, action, noble intention, creates progress,"
Passion is where it starts. It’s the spark—the thing that excites you and gives you a reason to push forward. But passion on its own isn’t enough. Without action, it’s just an idea. Action is what turns that spark into something real. It’s about showing up consistently, even on the days when progress feels slow or uncertain.
Then there’s noble intention, the part that keeps you grounded and focused on what truly matters. It’s not just about pursuing something for yourself but creating impact, helping others, or building something meaningful. That intention is what gives passion and action real weight.
When these three align, progress happens—not always quickly or in the way you imagined, but it happens. I see this reflected in the work I do with Room Eleven. Passion drives me, action keeps me moving, and noble intention reminds me why it all matters. It’s a simple formula, but one that’s easy to hold onto when the road feels tough.
Weekly Musings
What I’m Listening To: The Modern Wisdom Podcast: Guest Mike Israetel
Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/OUEaDmRQ_Ng?si=SVgJHTqxPfj-gUS-
This week, I listened to an insightful episode of the Modern Wisdom podcast, hosted by Chris Williamson and featuring Dr. Mike Israetel, a professor of Exercise and Sport Science. The episode tackled longevity, exploring the biggest factors that influence how long and well we live—everything from genetics and diet to the power of relationships and the surprising importance of staying passionately engaged in life.
One idea that really stuck with me was the link between passion and longevity. Whether it’s dedicating yourself to one pursuit for a lifetime or allowing your interests to evolve and shift over time, staying engaged in what you love seems to have profound benefits. It’s not just about keeping busy; it’s about staying curious and invested in things that give your life meaning.
For me, this ties back to Room Eleven. What started as a way to channel my own grief has grown into something that continually evolves, pushing me to adapt and explore new ideas. This constant evolution feels like a reflection of what Mike spoke about—the importance of allowing passion to drive growth, not just for personal fulfillment but as a way to thrive over the long haul.
The episode also touched on other factors like strength training, stress management, and the impact of strong relationships, but it was the focus on passion that resonated most. It’s a reminder that purpose and connection aren’t just emotional needs—they’re fundamental to our health and longevity.
I also enjoyed the positive future outlook concerning the advances of longevity through AI interventions and its impact on biotech.
Worth a listen, or watch, or however you tune into podcasts.
What I’m Watching: The Goldbergs
Available to stream entire show on Binge in Australia
I first started watching The Goldbergs when it came out about a decade ago. Back then, I had the first season loaded onto a hard drive I carried during a three-month solo trek through Japan. It quickly became my go-to comfort show—funny, heartfelt, and packed with 80s nostalgia. But it’s more than just a throwback; the writing is sharp, the comedy still makes me laugh out loud, and the family dynamics are timeless.
I’ve watched the first five seasons more times than I can count, and while I haven’t seen the final ones yet, it’s one of those shows that fits perfectly in the background while working on projects (or writing a newsletter!). It’s light enough to lift your mood but meaningful enough to leave you thinking about family, connection, and life’s little lessons.
In a way, it ties in with the themes we explore in Room Eleven—navigating life’s chaos, finding meaning in the mess, and holding on to the relationships that matter most. It’s a reminder that even through challenges, there’s space for laughter, love, and growth.
If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend it.
Cinema Experience: Gladiator 2
It’s been a while since I’ve been to the cinema, but my younger brother is visiting from Maastricht, where he’s been studying and teaching music for the past couple of years (couldn’t be prouder!). Going to the movies together has always been something I love doing with family, so we caught Gladiator 2: The Gladiating (not the real name but should be!).
The movie was good—but it didn’t quite live up to the legacy of the first. Denzel Washington, as expected, gave a brilliant performance. He’s always incredible, but seeing him in a Roman period piece with his modern American accent threw me out of the world they were trying to build a few times.
Paul Mescal was solid, but his character felt like a watered-down Maximus. It lacked the depth and complexity that Russell Crowe brought to the original, and some retcons to his backstory felt like they were there just to make the script work.
Pedro Pascal as General Accacius was the highlight for me. There was something fascinating about his character—a sense of history and depth that I would’ve loved to see explored further. Honestly, I’d watch a whole film about his backstory.
In the end, the movie was enjoyable, but the real highlight was spending time with my brother. Moments like these make even an average movie night special.
To Sum Up
This week has been about reflecting on the power of connection, both in helping others and nurturing our own growth. From the inspiring potential of Honeysuckle FC to the validation of contributing to a book that speaks to shared grief, these moments highlight how collective effort can turn pain into purpose.
I’ve been reminded of the healing power of passion—whether through the simple joy of a family movie night, the nostalgia of a TV show, or the inspiring ideas shared in a podcast. Passion, when paired with action and noble intention, drives progress, and that’s something I strive to carry into all that I do with Room Eleven.
As we move into another week, I encourage you to think about how you can help someone else or take a step towards something meaningful to you.
Sometimes, even the smallest actions can spark the biggest changes—for you and those around you.
Until next time, take care and keep moving forward.
Giving Back
With Christmas around the corner, let’s spread some kindness
Donate a Still Billie Box
Our care packages for families who’ve lost their baby, named after our baby daughter Billie. Offering comfort during what should be a joyful season. Your donation can make a real difference in allowing us to provide free Still Billie Boxes to hospitals across Australia.
Room Eleven is a social enterprise business and does not qualify for DGR status.