Leo and I

A couple weeks ago while on my lunch break at work, I read a Rolling Stone article about Leonardo DiCaprio. I've never seen the appeal of the guy, myself, but I was kinda curious about what kind of man he has grown up to be. The article turned out to be fascinating. It detailed his humble background, the bit roles he got as a kid and his rise to stardom...and the reasons why unlike so many other young stars, Leo has not fallen victim to the stresses and temptations of the Hollywood life.

He mentioned one thing that really struck me, mostly because it's something that I think about all the time, too. He said that he really doesn't want to die anytime soon, and that despite the fact that he has the opportunity to do a lot of wild and exotic things, he actively tries to not put himself in a position that could cost him his life.

That was really interesting for me to read. I go through my days reminding myself to pay more attention while I drive, and to observe my surroundings for muggers, mass shooters, terrorists, etc while in public places. I watch how I chop, slice and dice while cooking for fear that the knife will slip and accidentally plunge right into my heart. I have a mental escape plan in case my office building is attacked or catches fire. I sleep with a knife under my mattress in case my house gets broken into in the middle of the night and I have to fight for my daughter's and my lives. I am careful about what I breathe in--second-hand cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, air freshener...

I'm not really afraid of dying, in itself. I think Leo put it best. He said something to this effect: I would hate to die now...it just seems a shame, when there are so many things left in life to do.