You can’t be happy 24/7: Riley Keough on surrendering to grief and anger
Dec 2, 2024
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Riley Keough, an actor known for her role in 'Daisy Jones & The Six' and for completing her mother Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir, opens up about the importance of embracing all emotions, including grief and anger. She shares personal experiences of loss and how repressing feelings can lead to anxiety. The conversation touches on authenticity, the impact of graceful co-parenting, and the deep connection between her mother and Michael Jackson. Riley emphasizes that it's liberating to prioritize one's own pleasure without worrying about others' opinions.
Riley Keough emphasizes that embracing and feeling all emotions, including grief and anger, is crucial for mental health and resilience.
The conversation highlights the importance of conscious co-parenting, showcasing a loving connection that thrives despite familial separation.
Deep dives
Navigating Mental Health and Self-Compassion
Mental health struggles such as depression and anxiety should be met with self-compassion rather than judgment. The speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions, like feeling overwhelmed during stressful times, especially during the chaotic holiday season. By accepting that these feelings are part of the human experience, one can offer themselves grace rather than falling into self-criticism. This perspective suggests that recognizing and honoring our emotions is crucial for overall well-being.
The Journey Through Grief and Loss
The conversation delves into the profound impact of grief following the loss of loved ones, including a mother and brother. The speaker articulates how navigating grief is not a linear process; it involves varying emotions that can change unexpectedly and frequently. Early grief is often marked by agony, but over time, individuals learn to coexist with their sadness alongside moments of joy. Understanding that both good and bad emotions are transient can reinforce resilience amid the unpredictability of grief.
Mother-Daughter Legacy and Influence
The speaker undertakes the task of completing her mother’s memoir after her passing, highlighting the rare opportunity for a child to reflect deeply on a parent's life. By listening to tapes that capture her mother’s stories, she gains insight into their shared history and her mother’s complex relationship with self-worth and fame. This exploration not only honors her mother's legacy but also reveals the emotional weight carried through generations. Consequently, understanding these familial dynamics helps foster connections to personal identity and history.
The Importance of Authentic Relationships
The discussion recognizes the unique bond shared between the speaker's parents, even after their separation, emphasizing a model of conscious uncoupling. The warmth of their connection provided a sense of security and love, which is portrayed as a rare and valuable dynamic in modern relationships. This stability contrasts with the complex feelings surrounding fame and the public's expectations, showcasing the depth of personal relationships amidst external pressures. Ultimately, the speaker’s gratitude for such an environment illustrates the impact of love and support in overcoming personal struggles.
How good are you at letting yourself feel your feelings? Actor Riley Keough thinks it’s important to embrace the sad and angry moments as much as the joyful, hopeful ones.
In this chat with Fearne, Riley explains how her own grief at losing her brother and mum has taught her that fighting or repressing emotions only makes you more anxious in the long term.
Riley’s mum was Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis Presley. Riley talks about Lisa’s ability to live in a place of truth – she’d never do anything that didn’t feel authentic to her. What can we all learn about how to lean into our own pleasure? It’s liberating to not care if others like you!
Fearne and Riley also discuss how impactful it can be when divorced parents are able to co-parent with grace. Plus, Riley reveals why she thinks her mum and Michael Jackson had such a deep connection.
Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir, which Riley finished, is called From Here To The Great Unknown, and it’s out now.
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