Crazy

I just finished watching the movie A Beautiful Mind for probably the third time. It is such an incredible movie. The first time I watched it I was struck by the vivid way it portrays Schizophrenia and the way it makes you understand a little of what it must be like. But over and over again I am impressed by the love story. Seeing the difference and triumph that can be made by the dedication of a loving spouse. Maybe it's just the sentimental romantic in me, but that story always inspires and challenges me. It gives new meaning to the phrase "for better or for worse". And it's an unequivocal example of the impact of that kind of love.

There was someone else kind of watching the movie with me, and he couldn't understand it. After we explained it, he just kept saying, "he's crazy, he's crazy." He couldn't understand how someone who was "crazy" could make such an impact.

But I think the reality is that we are all crazy. Some are more so than others, obviously. But the reality is that we have parts of us that are a little neurotic and irrational. Because of past experiences, or whatever reason, we do things that do not make sense and are not logical. The real challenge is to acknowledge our craziness and deal with it as best we can. I love the parts in this movie where John can joke and mess with people about his illness. That shows strength of character and self-acceptance. And while he does everything he can to treat it, the problem does not go away. But he is able to deal with it, and continue to live his life in a meaningful way. I'm not saying we're all schizophrenic, nor am I trying to diminish the seriousness of that illness. I'm saying we may be a little more like John Nash than we want to admit. But it was only after accepting and acknowledging his problems (and through the love and support of his wonderful wife) that he was able to take control of his life and regain a sense of meaning and purpose. And it's a challenge to me to accept my own craziness and deal with it as best as possible.