I was raised to do the right thing, not just say the right thing. The day Kate Spade died I reminded those I was raised with, my brothers and sisters, through an email of exactly that:
“Kate Spade, legendary fashion designer, was found dead by suicide today and all people are doing is talking. It is not enough after tragedy to honor and commemorate; tragedy is only legitimate if something is done to prevent tragedy further. Suicide is a crime, it was done to her, and tonight her family doesn’t need prayers they need a promise that says NO MORE. Not one more life will be taken like their daughter’s; each thought, each tribute needs to become pence toward the cure we promise for mental illness.”
Right now you are thinking, “Isn’t this a fashion blog?” It is. But if I’m going to write this, I’m going to have to be candid, and you wouldn’t know me at all, if I didn’t talk about mental illness. Kate Spade didn’t just design totes she carried them. Totes, bags full of anxiety and despair and hopelessness. She carried sadness and desperation on that pretty little back up Park Avenue in high heels and a chic skirt. She toted sorrow and agitation, restlessness and guilt all around her store on Madison Avenue. She went home and she was burdened as a wife and a mother with her fatal sickness. It’s our job to make sure that the feelings we carry are talked about and not just toted around in cute little handbags. Welcome to Style Mag Daily, where we don’t just wear clothes, we wear our authentic selves.
“Is saying ‘Not one more life’ going a little too far? Maybe. But just as we were raised to do the right thing, we were not raised to dream ordinary dreams. The goals we set for ourselves must be higher than what we can expect, or we can never become greater than what we can perceive. As you go out and have these conversations, I leave you with this: suicide is preventable, mental illness is curable, and society just needs a call to action to do something about it.”
I’m really glad you talked about this – it’s so important to talk about mental illness. Unfortunately, I disagree that mental illness is curable. However, if we work together to disintegrate the stigma society sticks to mental illness, hopefully those suffering will feel less alienated and will reach out for help instead of retreating.
It’s always surprising when those in the spotlight suffer this way, but that just proves that you truly never know what is happening inside a person. Kindness, openness, and acceptance go a long way. I suffered internally for a long time and it almost killed me. Now I talk about it every chance I get.
Well done Maggie. Your future is boundless!
Beautifully written Maggie ❤
Poignant and well said. A needed dialogue for so many suffering in isolation. Looking forward to your next blog posting.
Beautiful words. Beautifully written.
You have found your niche.
Well done! 💕
I love this. Thank you for bringing to light a subject that has been in the dark for too long.
Hey, Maggie!
Love your setup here! Best of luck forward with more style ideas.
Great work Maggie. Set the tone early. Looking forward to more posts.
Loved reading your blog! Your a great writer looking forward to more 👗👠👜
Congratulations Maggie!!!! This is amazing. I’m very much looking forward to future posts. So proud of you. xx
Wow Maggie! What a “way” you have, both with words and motivating. Congratulations!
Congrats Maggie. I admire you and your message. Keep up the good work. 🙂
Very well said Maggie
Bravo! Congratulations on the launch of your blog!
Love this Maggie. Your words are an inspirational call to action!
This isn’t just a fashion blog or a talk about what we should all be talking about. It is beautiful and eloquent prose. It is well-written, may it be well-read. My editor’s hat off to you Maggie …
Amazing Maggie! Your message resonates . I look forward to hearing more. Keep up the good work.
Heather
“Welcome to Style Mag Daily, where we don’t just wear clothes, we wear our authentic selves.” Love this Maggie.
Congrats on your successful launch!
My favorite line!!
Well done Maggie!
Love this, Maggie!! Awesome work. You should be super-proud. I can’t wait to point other girls & women in your direction: SO GOOD.
Maggie!! I’m loving this!!! So happy for and proud of you!!!!!
Excellent work, Maggie! I’m excited for you! Let’s keep this important dialogue going. XO Megan
Beautifully …well thought-out…intelligent words…..put together to acknowledge…prevent…sympathize…and prevent such a serious mental state…..Three Cheers to You Maggie for speaking out in support of those plagued with such despair. I Loved Kate Spade and Her Outstanding Talent….and Anthony Bourdain may have been my most favorite male celebrity…..I cant think of anyone I admired more. …..that was a terribly tragic week and a Huge Loss to The World…..Some people need more reassurement that they are So Loved and Needed…..Best of Luck to you for your Generous Courage in addressing this sensitive topic and Your Amazing Talent to follow Your Passion!
Beautifully said Maggie! Very courageous and honest writing, also a very courageous new adventure with your blog! Good luck! I can’t wait to follow it all. Xx
This is just brilliant. Bravo ,Maggie. Only through courageous sharing can we change any of the ravages of depression,addiction and mental illness.Let’s keep the conversation going.