TERRY MOSHER
The suicide of Robin Williams has gotten me to thinking about life and how at some point in our journey the dark side pops up its ugly head. Yes, we all have a dark side. Yes, the vast majority of us control that darkness so that it doesn’t hurt us or others around us. But its there, and you and I know it.
I think Williams’ dark side was very powerful, and he kept it in check using humor to cover it up. And when that didn’t work, he resorted to drugs and alcohol to make peace with his demons. But in moments of rest and solitude, I’m guessing that his insecurities and his dark side were just too much to handle.
So Williams, tired of the struggle, hung himself.
It took Williams 63 years to get there, but he did it, and now he’s free.
ROBIN WILLIAMS
The dark side does not have to be dangerous, leading us to do hideous things. That dark side is usually labeled as a character flaw. I know a person who is brilliant, but who is addicted to strip clubs. That may sound strange for me to say that is an addiction, but my guess is that going to strip clubs is only the surface for what darkness lies underneath that.
I’ve known people who are just consumed with having the nicest things. They flaunt their “niceness”. I suspect that is a cover for something more sinister that is their dark side.
There was a friend I had who cheated his way to a college degree. He was consumed with being the best and would do anything to be number one. He succeeded, but wound up never using the degree he so desperately wanted. Once he got it, he had nothing to replace it so he could continue the dark side of cheating and lying.
I’m trying to think what my dark side is. It may be that I’m extremely competitive. I hide it well. But inside I’m always thinking how I can be better, how I can do this or that better. On the rare occasions I do something well, inside I want to do it even better. I’m not satisfied – ever.
Now that doesn’t sound like a bad dark side. But it does mean I’m always thinking, thinking how to achieve better results, and that can be draining.
I had a friend who died early because his dark side – alcoholism – was front and center for all his short life. He had to drink (and smoke). Just had to. Nothing could stop him. His dark side controlled him.
It’s sad when the darkness won’t let in light. The darkness finally overwhelmed Robin Williams. Hopefully, now he will see the light.
Be well pal
Be careful out there.
Have a great day.
You are loved.