I have finally just finished reading @Springsteen's autobiography - yes quite late I know. I'm only behind the times on this one for no reason other than I was finishing up my masters degree and had no time for reading for pleasure for quite a while. I muddled my way through the first half of his story while my left brain was being pummeled and strengthened by accounting principles, and I found little enjoyment or soul energy in my reading.
However, with my energies free to pursue the heart and soul in my reading once again, I now finish his story deeply moved, inspired and emboldened. Along with a shadow of sadness cast over a piece of my heart - the same piece that has been encaptured by his music and lyrics throughout my life.
The interviews and the news pieces I have seen about his story have all focused on his revelation about mental illness and depression. They have given it the same time and attention they give to any popular topic at the moment. Knowing he has suffered so greatly brings me to a place of compassion and understanding. Watching Bruce sing " I hung my head" at Sting's Kennedy Center honors already told me that story and he now openly lets us peer into the private moments of his dark ladder in his own words.
I've never been one to admire fame -fortune yes I wouldn't mind a bit of that, but I never look upon famous people and believe that they are any different from the rest of us. I hold no regard for fame. With that said, I have attended many Springsteen concerts where I could have sworn the second coming was appearing before me. However, it was always where I was touched down deep inside that left me feeling a connection to the art and music and stories more than the person himself.
As I finished reading his eloquent and beautiful words about his journey and the love that has brought him through it, I am finding more appreciation for the man behind the art and his humanness, his openness, his willingness to expose his internal world to the rest of us. That has only added an exponent to the effect his music has had and will continue to have in my individual world.
I'm not writing this to critique a piece of literature. I am not writing to talk about the importance of the conversation around mental health. I am writing this because I have been deeply moved and am grateful once again for the connection Bruce weaves between himself, his audience and all of the human family. So this is my thank you to a beautiful soul who walks this earth the same time I have and my gratitude to another who embraces the complexities of life and emotion in a world that floats on the surface of reality shows and celebrity gossip. Thank you for being one of the passionate ones. #notalone #soulman #borntorun
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