This
past week PBS aired a seven-part, documentary series called The
Roosevelts. Did you get a chance to see it? I think it was quite
good. It was produced and directed by Ken Burns, the guy who did the
Baseball documentary back in 1994.
In the
first episode, much is discussed about Theodore Roosevelt. Burns
titled this first episode, “Get Action.” The title comes from
something Teddy's dad used to say to him. Theodore senior used to
say, “Get action. Do things. Be sane. Don't fritter away your time.
Create. Act. Take a place wherever you are and be somebody. Get
action.”
A life
of action, that's what the elder Theodore was prescribing. And, it is
exactly what Teddy did. But, let's first make a point about another
president. Abraham Lincoln. What we know, and has been
well-established, is that Lincoln battled severe depression. It's
quite a story. Lincoln is arguably the greatest American President in
all of history. And, to rise to such heights, in spite of
debilitating depression, is truly an impressive feat. What not a lot
of people know is that President Roosevelt had demons of his own.
Not a
lot has been said about TR's depression. Picture this. The date was
February 14, 1884. Valentine's Day. In an unbelievably sad turn of
events, Teddy lost both his mother and his wife on the same day. His
mother succumbed to typhoid fever. And, later in the day, his wife
died of kidney failure. A mire two days after giving birth to the
couple's daughter. The pain must have been unimaginable.
Apparently,
in spite of all the suffering, Roosevelt was able to out run his
sadness. TR listened to his father's advice and kept on the move. For
example, he traveled west, and spend a fair amount of time in North
Dakota. Basically living the life of a cowboy. Additionally, the
documentary revealed a rather startlingly statistic. While in office,
TR wrote 150,000 letters, by far the most of any President. To put
that number in context, Thomas Jefferson wrote the second most
letters. Jefferson's total was 22,000. Busy busy!
This
probably isn't something you haven't considered before. After a
romantic breakup, or financial reversal, hopefully you're fortunate
enough to have friends that help keep you busy and occupied. Staying
busy can help keep our minds off the pain. It seemed to have worked
for Theodore Roosevelt.
Regardless
of whether or not you've thought about it before, it is good it be
reminded of the importance of taking action. It's important to
remember to not sit around and dwell on our misfortunes. This story
also points out the fact that no one is free from grief and sorrow. Not
too many people have experienced a greater calamity, than that which
befell TR, in the early part of 1884. Most of our troubles are
comparatively mild. Good reason to be thankful.
Always
remember, whatever it is you do, don't think too much about it. If
you're sad, take action. Hopefully with a good friend. If you're
feeling afraid, take small baby steps and the fear will pass. If
you're angry, go for a walk. Action doesn't necessarily cure our
emotional issues. But it does bring a welcome respite. If things get
too intense, you might consider doing therapy.
“Get
action. Do things. Be sane.” Old advice. And good advice.
