04/06/2025
It’s been 31 years since a brilliant artist left this earthly realm.
“Nevermind” was the first album I ever purchased at the awkward age of 12. I recall listening to the cassette over and over on gloomy fall days, resonating with the lyrics and grunge vibes. The 90s were an interesting time to experience, it was the liminal space between the provocative 80s and the high tech 2000s. As a teenager, I resonated with the grunge scene and recall my days of angst with the system, understanding and feeling the pressure from our societal program and wearing the same dirty flannel shirt for days.
While traveling through Washington I stopped by Aberdeen, where Kurt Cobain grew up, and checked out the spot he hung out on the muddy banks of the Wishka River. Seeing first-hand the dilapidated buildings, dreary, gray, wet sidewalks matching the same color of the sky, it was easy to see how Kurt felt about being trapped in a dead-end place. Being able to witness this place personally gave me closure to one of the first heartbreaks I experienced in my youth, his death was one of the first times I cried for someone I never met that I felt like I always knew.
That leads me to the topic of mental health, and how so many aspects effect how our mentality and emotions are shaped. Some of the most renowned artists deal/dealt with depression. The connection between creativity, sensitivity, and suffering has long been explored by artists, writers, and musicians. Many creative people are known for their heightened sensitivity, which can lead to great emotional depth and pain. Kurt was no stranger to the caverns of his mentality and emotions, stating that he never knew where he fit in growing up because he didn’t exactly fit into any of the pre-made boxes. While the circumstances surrounding his death is shrouded in controversy; the legacy he left behind will never be forgotten. His creations shaped the expressions of an era, one that left an indelible mark on me.
If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health issues, know that there is help available. Finally, our society is offering support and services to aid people who struggle to navigate through life. You do not have to do it alone, and you do not have to rely on substances to mask the pain. There is hope. There is help. Being sensitive is a profound blessing and curse... know that there is so much more to your story, it does not have to end with tragedy.
Thank you Kurt for sharing your true authentic self to the world. You have given so many people hope that even though they don't fit into this program, they can still shine their own shade of light.
