It has taken me some time to write this. Recently, the iconic Richard Simmons passed away at the age of 76. My heart has been aching ever since. I have written about Richard a few times on the creation of beauty is art. over the years, because he quickly became a very important part of my life. (You can check out those posts here, here, and here.) I found his videos during the pandemic, which was a time of uncertainty, fear, and isolation. But Richard Simmons was there to make everything a little brighter. I started off doing the exercises posted to his YouTube channel and then bought the Sweatin' to the Oldies collection. My obsession continued as the years passed. I bought everything I could get my hands on. Workout videos, books, keychains, and Funko Pop figures. See, Richard didn't just help me through the pandemic. He helped me tackle my longstanding self esteem issues. His kindness was evident in his videos, interviews, songs, books, and everything else he created. Not only was he kind to others, but he had a way of seeing people as they were, without judgement or cruelty. He saw all of us. He saw me.
At the beginning of the year, Richard Simmons came out of his retirement to share posts on Facebook again. Those posts started out short and sweet, but over time, they became mini essays filled with stories about his life. He recalled memories from his childhood and spoke about celebrities he had met, people he had helped, and trips he had taken. Richard had so much to say! After years of silence, he was back, using his voice to add a little light to the world. More recently, he started sharing audio messages with short poems and uplifting words. In what turned out to be his final interview, he read the audio message he planned to record next. It is somewhat eerie knowing what we know now, but it has also brought me comfort.
- He loved us when we couldn't even love ourselves.
- People can be so cruel. Having someone like Richard Simmons in our lives was very special. It helped erase a lot of mental damage that was done by others. I will dearly miss him.
- By going forward with his teachings, he goes forward with us.
Bom dia, uma excelente segunda-feira e uma ótima semana. Parabéns pela linda homenagem, minha querida amiga.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much <3
DeleteI didn't know him but seems that he was been very important for you in a phase of your life, so I'm actally sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThe quotes you reported sound deep and significative, he must has been a very wise person.
XO
S
https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com
Thank you for your kind words. And yes, he was very wise and inspired a lot of people <3
DeleteI saw he passed in the news but didn't know who he was. Not sure his fame reached Scotland! RIP.
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteI'm afraid I didn't know who he was, but as he was so important to you, I do get the impact of his passing away on you. That final message is beautiful yet heart-breaking in hindsight. I'm so sorry for your loss, Shannon!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I appreciate it! <3
DeleteAn interesting post, I didn't know a lot about him
ReplyDeleteHe was wonderful. I really miss him.
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