Lessons to Learn

The death of Robin Williams hit me square in the heart. Maybe it's timing was too close to one of the darkest times I've ever experienced. After giving up on recovery and deciding to just live with an eating disorder, I was really choosing the opposite of living.  Since hearing the sad news, my heart ached for the mental, emotional, and physical anguish that Robin Williams was feeling. The irony of the whole situation made it that much more unbearable. The irony that a man whose life work was making others laugh was so very unhappy and full of sorrow.  The irony that he felt so alone and unnecessary in the world that he felt taking his own life was the best option, yet the tributes and monuments from millions of adoring fans haven't stopped for days.  It's these two ironies that I have not been able to stop thinking about.

It may be cliche but it's true, everyone is fighting some kind of battle. Wouldn't the world be so much better if we strived to be just a little more gentle and understanding with others?  Would it be that difficult to give others the benefit of the doubt instead of blame and frustration and judgement?  Could we learn to look past the happy façade, the shy facade, the angry facade, the stuck-up facade, the strong facade and see the real person with feelings and emotions?  Can't we just be more understanding and empathetic?

Why do we wait till it's too late to tell people how much they mean to us?  I've decided to take the opportunity to share with as many people as I can, how much they mean to me. Everyone loves to be loved and appreciated. I can't put into words how much it meant to me in my darkest hours to have friends and family express their love for and belief in me. And even more significant is the human touch...an arm around the shoulder, or a hug.  Don't wait.  Tell as many people as you can how much they mean to you. Hug!  You never know how much of an impact a few kind words or touch will have on someone.

Mr. Williams taught us to live large in life. In death may his lesson be to express our love and appreciation to others, as well as treating others gently with more understanding and kindness.