THOUGHT LEADERS Drawn from experience
You might imagine Matthew Johnstone had it all – a loving wife and a high- flying creative career, working with some of the world’s best advertising agencies in Sydney, San Francisco and New York.
But, behind the veneer of success, Matthew was dogged by severe depression and the sense his life was spiralling out of control. Matthew’s first book, I Had a Black Dog (2005), is about his journey through depression, the changes he had to make to recover his equilibrium and what he learned from the experience. The response to that illuminating, profound and thought-provoking picture book proved a significant turning point in Matthew’s life. Since then he has written and illustrated several more bestselling books – including Living With a Black Dog (2008), The Alphabet of the Human Heart (2009), Quiet the Mind (2012), and The Big Little Book of Resilience (2015) – and now dedicates his life to promoting mindfulness, positive mental health and wellbeing. Matthew visited College on Tuesday 13 June. He talked to the boys at assembly, then to several Year 10 classes, before giving a public presentation in the evening as part of our “Thought Leaders at College” programme. For Matthew it was a homecoming of sorts. Born and raised in Christchurch, Matthew attended College for two years, before transferring to Burnside High School to pursue his passion for art.
“Things were very different then and I felt there wasn’t room at College for a boy who was determined to make art his career,” says Matthew, who was delighted to see the College art studio during his visit and discover how important art now is in the school’s curriculum. In many ways, illustration and photography has been a form of therapy for Matthew. “I’d go ‘hunting’ with my camera and find beauty where it didn’t exist. Through photography I discovered mindfulness, being observant, being in the moment, and I found a real peace in that.” When a psychologist asked him to have a go at creating some images that would explain different mood states, something clicked. “It gave me the seeds of an idea. Adults still love picture books and a powerful image can convey so much in the blink of an eye.” Matthew says he is fortunate he has a supportive wife and family; that he has found the people and activities that help him live, promote and teach a life lived with wellbeing. This, plus his own quiet determination and innate creativity gave Matthew the means to master his black dog and parlay bitter experience into a new beginning. He is thrilled his books have touched so many lives and, even though he
Matthew Johnstone
is as busy now as he ever was, feels at ease to be the author of his own destiny. “I love what I do, I can’t think of a better job. As a speaker, I visit many different communities and meet people from all walks of life. It’s wonderful to be able to hopefully inspire them, while hearing and learning from their own stories.” Matthew’s top tips for a healthier, happier life include reaching out and connecting with other people, daily exercise, eating good food, sleeping well, making time to do things that bring you joy, learning how to quiet your mind, and practising gratitude. His new book on how to manage stress, which he is co-creating with clinical psychologist Dr Michael Player, will be published next year. Find out more about Matthew’s work at www.matthewjohnstone.com.au.
61
College Issue 33 2017
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker