Good
morning, Tuesday. I'm up in the clouds flying to Mexico City for a gig and
looking forward to exploring one of the world's biggest cities. I've got to
find some time to check out the amazing museums, as well as all of the great
markets as I'm hoping to come back with some fun stuff. I'm also hoping to come
back without getting sick, so let's see...
But travels aside, last night was a sad night for so many of us. It was with great personal sadness I heard the news of Robin Williams' passing- I'm not sure there's anyone who at least one of his many movies or routines or TV shows did not strike a chord, and if anything, he had the supreme gift of making us laugh. What's amazing to me is how powerful that is- now more than ever. With a constant deluge of bad news, laughing is more important than ever, and for people that have the talent to help us get past our anxiety and grief of living in such a messed up world, there should be a tremendous prize. Unfortunately, the opposite is often true- out of laughter comes so much pain. Being a comedian is a dark business; it’s an acknowledgement that in many ways, you've got to be more plugged in than many of us, to bring us out of our own sadness and into a place of light. To be that intuitive, you've got to be hypersensitive to this thing called life.
I wrote last night on Facebook that it's almost impossible to imagine how someone so loved and admired and treasured could be in such deep pain. I have always been a supporter of thinking of depression the same way you would a heart condition or broken leg- treat it with medicine and care and don't just let it get worse. I have never understood why so many people won't acknowledge their illness, why being depressed is any different than any other sickness in that way. I can't begin to imagine the pain Mr. Williams was in, but know we are losing too many mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, lovers, and friends to something that should no longer be self treated. His death hit all of us so hard because he was simply larger than life- and for anyone to have the immense talent to transcend age, gender, and race and bring happiness deserves a life free from such darkness.
I also can't help but think in a world such as this, a pandemic of depression is not out of the question. In our 24/7/365 news cycle of doom, it's hard to escape our collective sadness. But in a personal battle, too often an unresolved darkness ends this way, and we've got to get better at helping those we love and care about with these battles. We all get moody, we all get sad, we all face anxiety, but knowing when it's something more and treating it as such has got to become part of our approach to health. We're so focused on our bodies; I'm not sure why we keep forgetting about our minds.
I hate that another family is left wondering what they could have done. Another child is left without a father. Another wife is left a widow. We will always have his incredible roles to remind us of his vast talent, but now all of those laughs are somehow bittersweet. So hard to make sense of so many things these days, but as the world continues to stun us with everything from war to violence to natural disasters and illness, we've got to come up with a better way to deal, and ultimately, to heal ourselves. I hope much will be done to educate the public about mental illness and depression and take some of the shame away from treating and taking care of ourselves. I realize he also struggled with many other demons, but hope that with his death, we can learn a little something to help us get to a place where we can laugh again. RIP Robin Williams- your death is so very sad and will be felt for many years to come. It's hard to think of a favorite, because there were just so many good roles. It's so tragic that real life did not bode as well for him.
I was so touched by all of the posts last night, and in our collective shock, perhaps we can all help raise awareness for those that very often can't help themselves. My deep sympathy to his family and friends. And if you or someone you know is feeling like giving up is the only option, please get some help however you can. We all deserve some happiness, and if not happiness, then the ability to live a life free of such pervasive sadness. Nobody should have to live in so much pain. We've got too much to lose if we don't help ourselves, and if you can't help yourself, reach out to someone who can.
And perhaps it's all about helping others in general- today I had no cash in my pocket when I checked my bag curbside, and felt so compelled to give a tip to the nice man who helped me that I ran through the airport looking for an ATM. When I came back to give him a tip, I thought he was going to cry, because he couldn't believe I would come back. That's how bad it's gotten out there- but that's also how good the world can be. Each day I realize that helping others, even in small ways, makes me a happier and more whole person when so many terrible things are happening all over the place. I refused to go through the gate until I found some cash, and I was so happy to make someone's day just slightly better, including my own.
And that's what's up this sky high Tuesday somewhere over America. Yours, in good health, and doing good things. Please don’t give up. XO