I’m not super active on social media. I’m mostly a Facebook lurker and liker. I’m not even on Twitter or Instagram, and especially not that new thing. On the rare occasion that I do post something, it’s probably close to my heart. For example when Robin Williams passed away, I shared this on Facebook:
R.I.P to Robin Williams :( He was a really big part of my childhood - in part because he made a lot of my favorite movies better and because I thought he looks just like my dad Tod Swindell. I'm really saddened to hear that he's gone at 63 years young.I gathered with about a dozen of my friends that weekend to watch some movies and celebrate his life and career. Unfortunately we didn't get to Mrs. Doubtfire. That’s an all-time favorite of mine. I actually posted this on Facebook a few months before he died, when I heard they were making a sequel.
Robin Williams goes so hard! Looking forward to MD2.Selfishly I’m disappointed that I won’t get to see it, or any new material from him. For an entertainer with a limitless spectrum of talent, it’s saddening to know that his work is now bounded. At least I thought so, until I recently read this on the top of my Facebook news feed; “Robin Williams’ last movie trailer just came out, and it’s giving me chills…”
Take a couple minutes and watch it. If you’re reading this blog clearly you have some time on your hands ;)
I wasn’t aware that Robin had filmed another movie, so I was caught off guard by how much it spoke to me. There are a few things on the surface that stuck out:
- His character shares my name
- "25 years now, almost 26" describes my age exactly
- His failing marriage reminds me of my parents
- The irony of the tagline "Maybe it's never too late to finally start living the life you really want" with respect to the leading actor's untimely death
- Bob Odenkirk was a favorite in Breaking Bad, but now it's hard to take him seriously
- I also used to date a male prostitute that looked like Leo
Just kidding about Leo.
That’s never been my cup of tea, but I don’t think it was Nolan’s
either, so never say “never” ;)
Anyway, my real connection with this trailer is deeper than my love for the actor and some fun coincidences. What draws me in is my fear of regret. The first time I watched it I got a "Ghost of Christmas Future" vibe. I'm terrified of being an old man and reflecting on all of the opportunities in life that I didn't take. Just like Williams says in the trailer;
Anyway, my real connection with this trailer is deeper than my love for the actor and some fun coincidences. What draws me in is my fear of regret. The first time I watched it I got a "Ghost of Christmas Future" vibe. I'm terrified of being an old man and reflecting on all of the opportunities in life that I didn't take. Just like Williams says in the trailer;
Nothing turned out the way I thought, I guess. And suddenly I'm 60 years old.
To be fair it's not exactly looking into a crystal
ball for me. My wife and I have been together for almost
six years and she’s still the most important thing in
the world. I'm happy with the choices I made in college, and the vocation it prepared me for. Even if I put my career on autopilot things will
get lucrative for me pretty quickly. I'm grateful for my health, and I'm not possessed by addiction the same way that Williams was off screen.
Even though things are going well, this trailer still echoes something I've been contemplating for a while - I’m not really sure what
I want out of life, and I'm afraid I won't know until it's too late. As a kid I dreamed of being an athlete, musician, entrepreneur, philanthropist, or something else exciting. I never planned on being a corporate sellout with a 9 to 5 and a commute, but that's where I find myself. That's not a knock against the "American Dream" lifestyle. It's just decidedly average, and I've always hoped to do something more rewarding.
I've always justified putting off my dreams because I was working on "The next thing." That used to mean matriculating through school, then graduating college, then getting a job and some real world experience. Even now I always need just one more year of guaranteed paychecks before I'm comfortable diving into something risky. (Pardon me if my "problems" sound pretentious. I'm sure billions of people would trade places with me in a heartbeat. I really try not to take my good fortune for granted.)
I'm blessed with the foundation to support an amazing life, but what do I build on top of it? I envy the people who know that about themselves. Part of the reason I'm writing this blog is to help explore my own answers. I'm interested to hear what you have to say as well :)
Rest in peace Mr. Williams. Thanks for continuing to inspire me.
TGIB
I've always justified putting off my dreams because I was working on "The next thing." That used to mean matriculating through school, then graduating college, then getting a job and some real world experience. Even now I always need just one more year of guaranteed paychecks before I'm comfortable diving into something risky. (Pardon me if my "problems" sound pretentious. I'm sure billions of people would trade places with me in a heartbeat. I really try not to take my good fortune for granted.)
I'm blessed with the foundation to support an amazing life, but what do I build on top of it? I envy the people who know that about themselves. Part of the reason I'm writing this blog is to help explore my own answers. I'm interested to hear what you have to say as well :)
Rest in peace Mr. Williams. Thanks for continuing to inspire me.
TGIB
