Reading time: 61 seconds
The transition of Robin Williams has sparked so much discussion about the mind.
For someone so brilliant, successful and celebrated, how could he have suffered to the extent that he did?
My question is this: did he not know how much he was loved?
I’m a believer that love heals all yet while I thought Robin was one of our greatest gifts on so many levels – because of him I laughed (and cried!) countless times – I never so much as sent him a thank-you card. Sure I bought tickets to his movies and events and supported his work but that’s not the same.
Aha – there’s a difference between being a fan and being a friend
When we’re a fan we support someone because they do something we like. It’s all about us.
When we’re a friend we support someone because we want what’s good for them. It’s all about them.
People on screens and stages, in Parliament Buildings and international headquarters, castles, leadership academies and performance halls, sometimes don’t seem real. We only see the side of them they allow us to see or the side the media presents to us. Sometimes we like them, sometimes we don’t, but the decision is often made on a miniscule amount of information, rarely taking into consideration the human side….because we don’t know them! And when they’re in a public service, performance or leadership position we expect that their job is to give and our job is to take. But what does it take for them to give all they’ve got? Truth is, we have no idea.
At the end of the day the mind is still a mystery.
But one thing’s for sure: we’re all human and we’re never too big or too accomplished for a most sincere “You’re awesome!”
Who is on your AWESOME list?
Be sure to let them know.