I like to watch documentaries while I’m on the elliptical in the morning. It gets my mind moving, while my legs and heart are pumping. This particular morning, I was watching Being Eddie on Netflix.
I grew up watching Eddie Murphy movies such as Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, and his stand-up show, RAW. I thought Eddie Murphy was so creative and funny. From his time on Saturday Night Live to stand-up specials, to the movies, I thought he was hilarious. He also had that signature laugh!
I found the documentary to be absolutely fascinating. There was a line in there that jumped out at me. Eddie was quite reflective when he was asked what he was most grateful for.
I replayed it multiple times. I wasn’t his comedy or his ability to make people laugh that he was most grateful for. (You would think that’s what it would be because of the millions it has made him).
Eddie Murphy shared that what he’s most grateful for are two things. Number one, that he loves himself, and number two, that he knew what he wanted to do very early in his life.
Eddie told stories about going out after Saturday Night Live show tapings with famous actors like Jim Belushi and Robin Williams. He said there were drugs, drinking, etc., and he knew he never wanted to mess with that. He loved himself and did not feel the need to try to experiment or ruin what he loved.
Secondly, as a young boy, Eddie loved watching comedy films and stand-up comedy. He loved the laughter, the different outfits, and people dressing up. He loved it and knew right away that’s what he wanted to do, and began to practice those characters early.
“I’m most grateful in my life for loving myself and knowing what I wanted to do early.”
Great advice from Eddie, friends. Continue to fill your bucket and love yourself on your journey. Then pour into the hearts of those we serve.
Keep surviving and thriving, friends.
