It's Your Choice

I was surprised to read that Richard Pryor was born and raised in a brothel. He experienced sexual abuse growing up. Despite this, he decided to make a name for himself. He rose well above his upbringing to bring laughter to others, and became wealthy and famous in the process.

Of course, wealth and fame are not nearly enough to combat serious depression. This was a struggle for the comedienne. Drugs and alcohol were one of the ways he tried unsuccessfully to comabat it. Note that this solution ultimately didn't work for him, just as it doesn't work for the rest of us.

Mr. Pryor took a rough beginning and made a name for himself. He brought laughter to others both through his own comedy and through his influence on other professionals. I have had a much easier life than him and have not made anywhere near the difference.

I may never touch the vast number of people that Mr. Pryor did, but I'm going to continue to try. You can, too.

It's your choice.