“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”
– It’s a Wonderful Life
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I learned this year about honesty. Not just the fake “Oh hey, let’s be honest with each other…it’s not you it’s me.” So, let’s actually be really honest with each other. It really is you. I have nothing to do with it. I can’t help it if you’re a jackass and a complete tool. Frankly, it feels really good to get that off my chest. Phew! I don’t know about you, but I feel a ton better!
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The truth is some honesty can really hurt. It hurts you. It hurts me. But, some honesty…some of that real truth is necessary so we don’t make the same mistakes that have gone before us. I realized more and more this year that before we start being honest with other people, we have to be truthful with ourselves. Who are we? Why do we do what we do? Not just in work, but in life, love and the way we look at the world.
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So, I figured the best way to be honest…to really be honest with everyone else…is to start with myself.
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We’ve lost a lot of people. Really good people. Not just this year, but in years past too. People who have taken their own lives or destroyed themselves in one way or another. It made me think about myself. Like many people, I have my own issues. Ok, probably more issues than most. You have to be somewhat unhinged to do what I do for a living. You also have to find people around you in your life who support and love you unconditionally no matter who you are and what you do. I’ve been really fortunate that way.
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But, the truth is that we’ve lost really good people to depression. That is truth. The only truth that matters for me right now. Globally, depression effects 350 million people on this planet. Think about that just for a moment. Even if you don’t suffer from it yourself, you most likely know someone or are connected to someone who does suffer from it. That is completely heartbreaking to me. Mostly because I’ve suffered from it since I was a teen and I have learned to deal with it for the majority of my life. I know what it’s like to have depression. It truly sucks. It’s a big downward spiral that is seemingly endless. Unfortunately, nothing like a cinnamon roll spiral, which would be completely delicious and amazing. It’s more of a downward spiral that gives you the feeling that your body, mind and soul are all simultaneously plunging down into the ground. The more that you just exist and continue to think of anything in any way…it just completely haunts you. It plagues you. It saps any kind of joy from your body. What is left is sadness, confusion, emptiness, loneliness and an utter void of anything that somewhat resembles hope.
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Of all the people we’ve lost, from celebrities like Robin Williams to advertising art director Brian Sutter..somewhere along the line we have to shy away from talking about depression and embrace it. If you’re reading this right now than most likely you’re a creative person in some way. Even if you want to admit it or not. As a creative person you might feel as if you have more highs and lows than the next person because of your occupation. I just want you to know that you are not alone. Not ever. I’m with you. In every way. If you need a friend…if you need a hug…if you need someone to talk too…if you just want someone to listen to you…if you want someone to just be on the phone while you cry it out…well, I’m there too. I won’t be judgmental or be apprehensive to help. I’ll just be there. I urge you to do the same. If you’re reading this right now, remember the world needs more of us all just being there for each other and less of us turning away from any human souls. Remember the ones you love, who you care about, and who to reach out too when you need it the most. Happy Holidays and may they be merry and bright.
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Mental Health Info
– Jim Elkin