Big Richard Simmons Energy
The news of his death hit me harder than I expected and here’s why…
For those who prefer audio format:
The best thing we can do to celebrate a person's life is to extend the ripples of their legacy through the way we choose to live our own lives. So in my workouts, and in my life in general this week, I’ve been channeling the bold, joyful and uplifting spirits of Richard Simmons and one of his all-time biggest fans, my grandma Millie. In the short time I got to know him, I quickly realized what a genuinely generous and kindhearted human he was. I was so proud to present my grandma with this framed picture of us plus a personalized note that he wrote Millie in her final years.
In reflecting on Richard’s life and legacy, I realized he and Millie were true kindred spirits. He opened his doors to the public, making his exercise classes accessible to anyone who wanted to have fun while working up a sweat—the same way my grandma took my mom under her wing and her roof in her greatest time of need and treated her like a daughter. She always treated ME like a granddaughter and taught me that we were related through something thicker than blood. I felt the same kind of feeling of family the first day I walked into his studio and struggled to keep up with the fit women around me, most of whom were twice my age.
What I’ve always admired and loved about Millie are the same qualities that drew me back to Richard’s classes as often as I could even though I was already paying for a gym membership elsewhere and I was dirt poor living in a city that oozes wealth. The only thing he oozed was compassion and an energy that seemingly didn’t quit.
In recent years, he left the public eye, and on Saturday, he left his earthly body, but he also left a legacy that continues to ripple out with that energy that doesn’t quit.
It’s only fitting that he left us the day after celebrating his 76th birthday. He loved serenading each person on their birthday with his best Marilyn Monroe impression, and then he’d give the birthday star a special Richard Simmons necklace (see first photo above), making each person feel like they were in the spotlight of genuine affection on their special day. I will continue to wear my necklace and share it with others as a badge of honor and a reminder to live each day to its fullest like he taught us.
I remember one day he asked us all: “What is the last altruistic thing you did for someone?” He reminded us that it doesn’t have to be big gestures, and that we can and should all strive to do something kind for both ourselves and others on a daily basis.
What have you done for yourself and for someone else today? Let Richard’s legacy ripple out; it can be our eternal serenade to this great man.
In a heartbreaking yet heart-filled social media post earlier this year where he announced that he was dying, Richard reminded us that in addition to taking good care of ourselves:
There is something else very important that you must do. Tell the ones that you love that you love them. Hug those people and children who you really care for. A big hug really goes a long way.
Love,
Richard
To each of you who took the time to read this, I love you. I send you a hug across the Substack-verse and hope that it brings you some Big Richard Energy today to help you through whatever challenges you’re currently facing—we all have our struggles even if we don’t show them to the world, but to quote the closing lines in Richard’s book, Never Give Up:
One day, I may even run into you. I’ll smile as we pass each other…if you need some help, grab me and tell me. Stop me and talk to me or write me a note…I promise I’ll listen, I’ll help, and I’ll never give up on you.
Here’s to Richard Simmons, and to each of us continuing his legacy. Keep dancing and keep loving each other as we make our way through this crazy world!
I love you too and send you a big hug right back!!