I recently got the news that mega star Whitney Houston passed away. It didn’t come as much of a shock as I knew she had been battling addiction for many years now. My heart felt condolences go out to all her loved ones as she touched the lives of so many with her powerful voice over the years especially in the 80’s and 90’s. It’s just more proof that even though on the surface it may seem like stars of her status and magnitude have it all, whatever “all” may be..they are only mortals just like the rest of us human beings on this planet that are by no means invincible. We have to remember that the media puts these people who are made of the same “stuff” as everyone else in this world on a pedestal because of their talents and gifts to touch the hearts of so many people.
I’m sure it must be overwhelming to know what is real and what is fake in a world where everyone wants a piece of you. It’s the family and loved ones that always suffer the most when a tragedy such as this occurs. It’s common place everywhere these days but always exploited in the Hollywood scene because of the popularity of these people. I can understand in someway because I’ve lost people in my life through addiction. I’ve seen first hand how it can tear apart the lives, families and careers of amazing people. Some people, god bless them are just powerless. I could go on about addiction and choices we make forever, but that’s not the point. May her soul be in peace and may she be remembered for her beauty as a person and music which millions fell in love with over the years.
Life is so very precious and I would never tell anyone how to live their life. Drugs and alcohol are destructive when abused, and I can talk openly how both have inflicted havoc on my own life. It scares me to think of some past situations where I’ve seen people on the brink of overdoses and death. And then hearing of people I knew that passed due to overindulgence of narcotics and other substances. I just flew into the sacred city of Siem Reap and will be doing some great filming of Ankgor wat temple and some other great attractions. Great to be alive and have this opportunity and take it all in as it comes. You never do know what life is going to throw at you. But I do believe our chances at having a more healthy, happier and fulfilled life is greater when we moderate. Your body and mind is your temple, so treat it with respect.
Ryan.