I'll admit it. I'm a total nerd and have always been a nerd. Luckily, in high school I was surrounded by like nerds who didn't go out and smoke pot or get wasted drunk on a Saturday night. We'd go over to each others' houses and watch the best comedy network TV had to offer. Little did we realize I was witnessing a legacy in the making...

Saturday Night Live was full of the adult humor that we longed for and actually understood. At 15 and 16-years-old, you don't really have a clue about the world and a guy falling on the ground and making stupid faces is genius. Chris Farley's comedy was genius - a true brand of his own. But like many tortured comedic souls, his humor was both a shield and a sword against the outside world.

Farley sought drug and obesity treatment 17 times in his life but died at age 33 in his apartment after overdosing on a lethal dose of cocaine and morphine. We all know the tragic story of Chris Farley - and now a new documentary I Am Chris Farley will open July 31, 2015 in select theaters and will debut on SPIKE TV on August 10th.

Looking back, I remember laughing at sketches like Fat Guy in a Little Coat, Matt Foley and even the Chippendale's audition. I didn't realize it, but I was contributing to what killed this man.

It's no secret that Chris wanted so desperately to be liked and in a culture that loathes obesity, he deflected his physical appearance with self-depreciating humor. I loved watching Chris Farley because he was real and his delivery on a joke was just so adorable. Tommy Boy continues to be one of my all-time favorite movies. In college, when I'd get homesick, I'd watch it because Chris was comforting to me. I never thought about self-depreciation but it was there.

I try to talk to my daughter about kindness and always standing up for others. She has a big personality and I hope she uses it. Because of Chris' tragedy, I'll know to teach her about the warning signs of someone who is desperately seeking attention in negative ways and how to help them.

I don't know if his friends and family helped Chris and there are some people out there who are just self-destructive. I do know that in order to truly change your life, you have to WANT to change. This often means leaving behind the things in our life we value most.

If you, or someone in your life is struggling with addiction, obesity or depression, seek professional help as soon as possible. If don't know where to turn, visit recovery.org for resources.

More From WOMI-AM