Times, and life itself, are very hard for many people. So many of our brothers and sisters are hurting, whether the pain is emotional, physical, or fiscal. Many kids growing up have to deal with issues many of us will only see in our nightmares. Too many of those who've dedicated their lives to serving our country are coming back scarred by things we can only imagine in a horror movie.
For far too many people, the pain will be too great, they will choose not to go on with life. if you're one of those for who life is beginning to feel unlivable, please talk to someone who cares and knows how to help. A friend or family member may be able to help. But sometimes we need more than that.
The numbers for the National Suicide Hotline are 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 1-800-TALK (273-8255), for those who are hearing impaired it is 1-800-799-4TTY (4889). The Hotline website also has numbers for state and local hotlines on their website:
http://suicidehotlines.com/
I want to thank all the progressive here who work to make the world a better place, and to remind them that you have to help yourself to be able to help others. Please, everyone, take care of yourself, too.
I've been affected by suicide my whole life. My father took his own life when i was 12. The woman i loved (and still love) struggled for decades to find the will to keep living. One of best friends took his life in 2007. And last November, as i was celebrating the most incredible and positive event that has happened in my lifetime (O!), I got news that one of my best friends had lost his sister to suicide. My experience is not rare in the US.
Of course many will know today as the anniversary of the day Kurt Cobain's body was found. It is particularly cruel when someone whose literally saved so many others from this sad fate falls victim to it themselves. Kurt was one of many that fell into this category. His mind-blasting songs of alienation gave so many kids the will to go on by making them feel that someone else knew their pain, and cared. As one anonymous poster wrote today elsewhere: "Thanks Kurt, you got me through all the times i felt like dieing in high school." I know there are many people here who fight the good fight every day. They work to make the world better for others. And they see some terrible things. I hope if any of you wonderful world-caring people here are struggling with the urge to just stop living, you will please take some time and take care of yourself. YOU DESERVE IT. YOU DESERVE TO LIVE.
Music is what keeps me going, which is why today is so painful for me. I thank all the musicians who've kept me going (along with all the political activists!) There is a band called the Heartless Bastards, unlikely name for a band fronted by a woman, Erica Wennerstrom, who've recorded some really awesome songs that speak of the struggle to keep going, and of getting through life even when you feel you can't. I recommend them highly to everyone, but especially to anyone struggling with existential issues.
www.myspace.com/heartlessbastards
www.theheartlessbastards.com/
Their first album, Stairs & Elevators" is full of great uplifting stuff, like "Grey."
http://www.youtube.com/...
Sometimes I, I feel a, a little bit gray in the autumn
Gray in the autumn
And I'm looking at things in a new way
Sitting in my skin, I'm getting up again
And I got these words on the tip of my tongue
But I feel so numb, oh and they feel so numb
So I'll march my feet to a different drum, down the avenue
Tell you what I'm gonna do, and
I'm gonna take everything, everything
And take it to the start, and give it a new lining
So it's so inviting, and I
I'm gonna take everything, everything
And take it to the start, and give it a new lining
So it's so inviting, and I
Sometimes I've forgotten why I was here, driving out so far
Underneath the sky and stars
It's so easy to lose sight, when you're intoxicated from
Chemicals they make me numb
And I got these words on the tip of my tongue,
But I feel so numb, oh and they feel so numb
So I'll march my feet to a different drum, down the avenue
Tell you what I'm gonna do and
I'm gonna take everything, everything
And take it to the start and give it a new lining
So it's so inviting, and I
I'm gonna take everything, everything
And take it to the start and give it a new lining
So it's so inviting, and I
So I march my feet to a different drum
So I march my feet to a different drum
So I march my feet to a different drum
So I march my feet to a different drum
"Out at Sea" from "The Mountain" also seems to hit this theme:
http://www.youtube.com/...
My favorite is "New Resolution", it is a life affirming punk-pop anthem if there ever was one. have a listen.
http://www.youtube.com/...
my new resolution is to be
someone who does not take everything so seriously
I want to laugh and joke and have a smoke
and have a good time
and join an institution that will fuel my mind
whoever said ignorance, oh it was bliss
well, there's something there
that I declare they surely missed
'cause in the days and modern ways
you'll get passed by
try to have some fun
I always want to take it in stride
I was out there
on an open sea
no direction, and no one to lead
and then I looked back in there
how did we get there?
the water was foggy
but I didn't really care
'cause stagnancy makes me drown
and I really want to live
my new resolution is to be
someone who does not care what anyone thinks of me
'cause I don't even like myself half the time
and what's the use in worrying what's on other people's minds?
I was out there
on an open sea
no direction, and no one to lead
and then I looked back in there
how did we get there?
the water was foggy
but I didn't really care
'cause stagnancy makes me drown
and I really want to live
I'm sorry but i won't be around for comments, i'm going to hear a VERY LOUD punk band, Stella Rose (don't miss them if you're in Ft. Worth/Dallas/Denton. Good luck to everyone.
thanks Erica.
thanks Kurt, for everything.