When I heard the news of Robin Williams death, I thought it might be a wonderful mistake.  An internet hoax. A joke. Obviously,  it wasn’t.

And yet, now that I’ve read so many amazing stories from those I know who were lucky enough to work with him + others I don’t know who loved him dearly, I can only look at his death + the above quote +  think …yes, there is still a lot to learn.

There is still a lot to learn about depression.

There is still a lot to learn about addiction.

There is still a lot to learn about those closest to us + their deepest fears + desires.

There is still a lot to learn about ourselves.

There is still a lot to learn about why things unfold the way they do.

There is still a lot to learn about life.

There is still a lot  to learn about death.

It is my sincere hope that anyone who needs help knows that it is there for you + that the answers you seek are also seeking you.

Here are 10 Things Lessons Robin Williams Taught Me About LIfe:

1) To live fully is the greatest gift you can give yourself + others.

2) The success you may see on the outside, isn’t always a match to the happiness one feels on the inside.

3) There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, even when the tunnel feels dark, lonely, long + winding.

4) I’ll never know what someone is going through unless I walk in their shoes.

5) It’s a courageous act to ask for help.

6) Laughter can heal the heart.

7) “Carpe Diem.  Sieze the day.  Make your lives extraordinary.” (Mr.Keating in Dead Poets Society)

8) Follow your dreams.

9) “But, oh to be free…such a thing would be greater than all the magic + all the treasures in all the world.” (The Genie in Aladdin)

10) “No matter what people tell you, words + ideas can change the world.” ~ Robin Williams

Robin lived fully + courageously helping us to laugh, to cry, to think, to play + to feel.

And though it feels he is gone too soon, hopefully his passing will awaken many questions within our own lives and we can pause for a moment, and realize, yes, Robin…there is still a lot to learn.

Love + Gratitude,