[THREE CENTS] The Most Important Thing

A few weeks ago I found out that a guy I went to high school with had taken his own life.  Needless to say, it’s horrible.  I feel terrible for him, his family, everyone in his life.

I wasn’t friends with him back at school, but I knew who he was.  I had a fairly small class, so you pretty much knew who everyone was.

As far as I was aware at the time, he was just a kid like me.  He went to class, he played on the soccer team, he danced at the prom.  But he might’ve been struggling even back then.

Everyone knows that life can be hard.  And for people who suffer with mental or emotional problems; depression, maybe addiction…  It’s a hell of a lot harder.  Sometime more than people can take.

What does this have to do with writing?

I don’t know exactly.  But it certainly makes me stop and give some serious thought as to what it’s all about.

For some people, writing can be an outlet for their emotional turmoil.  A way to express their sometimes complicated thoughts, and maybe release some of that stress in their lives.

On the flip side, trying to make a go of it in the entertainment business can be exhausting, both physically and mentally.  It’s also highly competitive and filled with more than a few toxic individuals.  It can be difficult for even the most zen of personalities.

So if you struggle with the aforementioned emotional problems, depression, or addiction, it might not be the healthiest pursuit.  And being healthy and happy is more important than selling a script.  I know, there are days when it doesn’t feel that way, but you know it’s true.

So if you’re working in the business and it’s getting to you, really think long and hard about whether there’s something else out there that will bring more satisfaction to your life.  More peace.  More contentment.  Hopefully even joy.

And that message obviously covers all industries and all people.

As far as I know for sure, we only get this one life, so the most important thing to pursue is that happiness.

If you’re reading this and you’re struggling too, know that you’re not alone.  Don’t suffer in silence.  Find someone to help.  A friend.  A mentor.  A support group.  Anyone.

Just reach out.

And if you don’t know where to turn, someone who cares is only just a call or a click away. Don’t give up…

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

https://twitter.com/800273TALK