This week my article is a tribute as such to Jock Zonfrillo. I was so sad to hear of his passing at the young age of 46.
My first thought when I heard the news was that life is so precious. Of course, like most people, the moment I heard about it, I did my own Google search. Not that I didn’t believe the person that told me, but more because I needed details. How, when, and why? With an emphasis on how and why.
I am a Masterchef Australia fan. So when Jock became a judge, I wanted to know all about what led to this great opportunity. With ambitions of my own, I am all about success stories.
In my research, I learned that Jock had endured many struggles and hardships. He apparently got into the wrong crowd as a teenager and was introduced to drugs, which he became addicted to. In addition to this, he also struggled with depression and anxiety, which is why he apparently wore the beads around his hands.
What inspires me is that despite these crippling challenges he faced, he was still able to forge ahead to become an internationally renowned chef. A man that successfully wore so many hats.
At the height of his struggles, he could have easily given up and taken the ‘easier’ route, the path he was already on. Instead, he chose to ask for help.
Now for some of you reading this, this act might seem easy to do. But for a person in this mind space, it goes against every fibre of their being.
Asking for help means admitting there is a problem, it means acceptance and it requires deep vulnerability. Not easy to do in a world where there is still a stigma when it comes to mental health.
If you or a loved one is going through similar challenges, know that there is always hope. The first step to changing the trajectory of your life is to enlist the help of the right people and be willing to do what it takes. There are therapists, counsellors, meeting groups, hotlines, and life coaches.
Find what works for you and invest in yourself!
A client of mine honestly said to me this week: “I actually want to carry out what I say I am going to do. But I know me, I am a people pleaser. I can say what you want to hear.”
I got excited by this, unknowing she was already making strides as she acknowledged her old ways of doing things.
As a life coach, this is what makes me in awe of Jock’s story. He invested in himself and thereafter lived a remarkable life.
In quoting him on Masterchef Australia: “Give it up for Jock everybody”.
You will be greatly missed on our screens 🙁
- Contact me to discuss the value of life coaching
- Image source: https://variety.com