He has played some really profound characters in his career, but you may be surprised to learn that Keanu’s real life has been plagued by sorrow. We look at celebrities and think their lives are ‘perfect,’ forgetting that they too are just human beings trying to be happy and live the best possible life.
Keanu felt compelled, for whatever reason, to take this photo at this moment and write some deeply wise words on his social media feed.
He wrote:
You see these people behind me? They are rushing to work and not paying attention to anything. Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget to take the time out to enjoy the beauty in life. It’s like we’re zombies. Look up and take your head phones out. Say Hi to someone you see and maybe give a hug to someone who looks like they’re hurting. Help out someone. You have to live every day like it’s your last. What people don’t know about me is that I had depression a couple of years back. I never told anyone about it. I had to fight my way out of depression. The person who was holding me back from my happiness was ME. Every day is precious so let’s treat it like that. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so live today! I hope you share this post to spread love this holiday.
I’m drawn to the authenticity and rawness of his message and candid photo. No glitz, no glam, just a slight glimmer of ‘ there’s gotta be more’ in his eyes. In my opinion, Keanu is alluding to the deep disconnection we have with each other which is symptomatic of our modern age; it’s almost like we’re scared to talk to one another. As he points out, even something as simple as saying ‘hello’ to a stranger on the street can have a major impact. That brief connection leaves both parties with a good feeling, and that positivity ripples outwards everywhere they go. It’s such a small gesture, but it leaves such a huge mark. Be that person for someone.
It is clear that he has faced some challenging obstacles in his life; his words reek of experience. Yet I think most of us could relate to the experience of feeling depressed, not telling anyone, and then fighting our way back to peace and joy in our lives. His statement serves as a great reminder that today IS a gift and we can do anything and feel anything we want in the only moment that ever really, truly exists… which is right now.
Remember, when you’re living in your head, you are either agonizing over something that happened in the past or worrying about something that may or may not happen in the future. Back and forth we go in our minds. Worrying and regret make us feel like we are actively working to solve a problem, but in reality they hold us hostage from action (and happiness). Being present in the moment pulls you out of this draining thought cycle and allows you to actually enjoy your life. Maybe that’s why it feels so good to just stop and breathe. So take care to remind yourself that you are safe and secure, and that whatever you are doing in this moment is the only thing that matters.
I’m so glad Keanu posted this.