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Who knew that the lot of an ABC journalist was so fraught with peril and existential angst? Anyone who has stopped by The Drum, the national broadcaster’s opinion site, and read national medical reporter Sophie Scott’s searing self-examination, that’s who. Sympathy is in order for the poor woman, who writes (emphasis added):
Last year, at work and at home, I had been feeling increasingly disconnected and anxious. Stepping out of my comfort zone, which I usually relish, had filled me with fear. And invitations like speaking at my old university brought on an overwhelming feeling of vulnerability and being out of my depth.
It’s not easy to admit. Even writing about feeling vulnerable makes me feel anxious about what others might think. While we want to see vulnerability in others, we don’t feel comfortable showing it to ourselves. And I didn’t know why.
But now I do.
I realised I had not been living my authentic self. While writing and reporting on public health, like so many other people, I was too busy to exercise regularly and drank too many champagnes and wine. “It helps thin the blood, right?” And I had put work commitments above my family, friends and even myself.
I realise that I need to and want to let go of those practices which are no longer serving me. Drinking too much, neglecting my inner self, putting work first.
Ms Scott, readers will be relieved to learn, has resolved to make her spirits soar by no longer choosing to be “numb” to her “authentic self”. So no more of that nasty business of “putting work first”.
Interestingly, the Drum provides a link to a ledger of Ms Scott’s journalistic exertions over recent months. It seems she has managed to produce 24 stories in the 22 weeks since August 20. Such a workload! No wonder her soul is in disrepair — and how lucky she must feel to be on the books of a taxpayer-funded broadcaster where, presumably, the need to focus more on the most important story of all (herself) will be generously abetted.
Her exercise in restorative solipsism can be read in full via the link below. But be warned, if you do not work for the national broadcaster and are using your employer’s computer, he or she might take a less sanguine view of indulging personal interests and passions than does Ms Scott’s namesake and managing director, Mark, who no doubt believes he also works too hard and too much.
