I was shocked by the headline on the Huffington Post last night RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman 46 years old. That is my age. It is far and away too young to die, 46. More shocking was the line underneath, drug overdose, I am so saddened to know that drugs took another life.
This tragic loss of a great actor by overdose; to me it just amplifies the mystery of the human psyche. By all accounts, Philip Seymour Hoffman was successful in his craft; creatively and technically, he was a father of three and had a family in New York. I would think that being an accomplished actor means that you are highly empathetic, creative, curious and well read. The dangers of drug use would not be an unknown to someone this intelligent. So why this nonsensical death?
I am aware that everyone has their demons and I know that some people have the blessed life that does not know what addiction is or what it means so they can confront their demons without too much danger, but there are those of us who have the misfortune of having addictive personalities and when the demons make their presence known, we must tread so very lightly. I guess that Philip Seymour Hoffman being one of addictive personality type had warred with his propensities for quite a while, sadly yesterday he lost the war.
I have been thinking about addiction a lot today; my recovery in anorexia isn’t too far divorced from the addictive personality and I have to be mindful of my behavior and my moods. My addiction to cigarettes took me so many years to finally triumph over, but I know that I can never, ever try one cigarette as a lark because that would be the end, all my hard work would go up in smoke, literally.
Philip Seymour Hoffman had been in rehab just this past May, he knew that there was a problem. Unfortunately something within him was seeking an outlet perhaps or something he could not find in his surrounding universe. I don’t understand, when one goes after heroin, one is going after something right at the edge, was that part of the attraction? Dancing with danger might have been the allure, maybe making him feel even more alive by daring the odds. The saddest part is that I would bet a lot on the fact, that on yesterday morning, he never meant for his life to extinguish itself so suddenly. That is the real tragedy, one different choice and he might still be here. But who knows, could it really be that, if it is your time, it’s your time? So if he hadn’t overdosed, he might have been hit by a bus or slipped and hit his head? I hope that it doesn’t work like that, and hopefully others might learn from the tragic choices that Philip Seymour Hoffman made and a few lives will be saved by emphasizing treatment and counseling rather than prison and judgement.
The acting world has lost a tremendous talent and his family and friends have lost their father, son, brother and close friend. It is sad. 😦
laurieanichols 
So sad.
Yes it is. 😦
Sad but heard drugs were at fault.
I know but that is what makes it so tragic, it didn’t have to end.
I only saw him in two movies – both great performances. I think the whole tragedy highlights that human success and human contentment are not related – and yet we live with that lie at the heart of our culture.
Truer words haven’t been said often enough. You nailed it at the heart of the matter as always. 🙂
Reblogged this on Toward the within… and commented:
My mind cannot seem to grasp this situation…It feels quite surreal.
thanks for the comment 🙂
Evidently heroin gives one such a rush that can never be repeated, or so I’ve heard. I guess he really liked it, got hooked , and went to rehab when he was young. I saw an interview with him and when the interviewer asked why, his face lit up even so many years after being drug free. He “fell off the wagon” a year or so ago, went to rehab , but evidently this time he was unable to refrain. It is very sad what heroin can do. Most people can never be free from it. If only people would just stay away from it. If you don’t know what you’re missing you won’t be chasing it. I’m sure that is a naive statement, but it sure worked for me. I just don’t put drugs in my body. However, I am probably addicted to chocolate, but it isn’t going to kill me!
I’m addicted to cookie dough lol. Hopefully it won’t kill me and I’m sure that chocolate won’t be the death of you either. 😀 I’m still sad for him, addiction is very difficult. 😦
I am sorry it took me so long to comment, taking two security classes, OSHA safety certification and trying to maintain my health. Three weeks and thee doctors to heal my pneumonia. Today 2/17 is day #1 of being back to normal! Ugh I have learned that I think I want to move to a warmer State! You always know how to inspire and write. I am addicted to cookie dough too! I am so lucky because I am a picky eater and don’t eat much chocolate either, I do, don’t get me wrong…Godiva carmel is my fav!
I know that you are super busy and I am so proud of you; your drive, dedication and tenacity, you are awe inspiring sweetie. Chocolate and caramel a marriage of flavors made in heaven. 🙂 Oh the weakness that I have for cookie dough, it’s awful. Thank goodness that I do not buy it, I am so very aware of my weakness, that is why.