I don’t follow much pop culture. Yeah, I think celebrities are cool but they’re people. Just like we common folk. But since we’re on the topic, I’ll name some of my favorite famous people. Sadly, one passed away last year – Kobe Bryant. I do like Taylor Swift. She’s about my age and I think she’s really talented. I admire that she writes her own songs. I like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Tom Hanks, Ed Sheeran, George Straight, and Jack Johnson. I think Bethany Dillon is cool. Michelle Obama is estimable. Arnold Schwarzenegger is an incredible human in my opinion. In other arenas, I like Kerri Walsh (one of the greatest compliments of my life was that I look like her—I’m only a foot shorter and about 20% more body fat, but thanks), Lisa Scottoline, Joyce Meyer, Jordan Peterson, Rhonda Rousey, and the weather lady on the local news (Casey Lehecka). On a more personal level, I admire some very competent physicians in my field. I admire moms and dads who raise respectful children. The local small business owners who keep the lights on despite fragile economies and a pandemic. The jiu jitsu black belt instructor at my martial arts school who is several years younger than me. My friend who runs marathons like they’re just a walk around the block.

When I say I like some of these aforementioned individuals, I mean I like their style or their personality (as it’s portrayed) or what they produce. More precisely, I admire their talent or achievement. In regard to the rock stars I know in my own life, I do think they are wonderful people – they are hardworking, persistent, deeply committed to the wellbeing of others, and selfless. But the well-known celebrities could deep down be mean people. I bet their lives aren’t fun at times. Heck, I wouldn’t want to live out of a bus that’s traveling across the country most of the year. I wouldn’t want to be recognized everywhere I go. I wouldn’t want to feel the pressure of needing to looking flawless all the time – what if you just need to run up to Walgreens for something real  quick and you don’t want to straighten your hair first or even wear a bra? I wouldn’t want my bad days caught on camera for the world to see on television. On the small scale, I don’t want to work all the time like most physicians do. I don’t want to give up my hobbies and interests (yet) to raise kids.

It’s interesting to me why people are so enthralled by the site of celebrities. I’m writing about this because in my recent perusal of news headlines, I’m seeing a lot about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, specifically, their recent interview with Oprah. Blah. I would hate to be admired or adored simply because of a position I was born into or married into or to be liked because of my looks or who my spouse is. I wonder how often, if ever, famous people really feel loved in the relationships they do have.

Do we admire celebrities because of their talent or the fact that they’re on a big screen? It’s a bizarre thing to consider. If I ran up to the grocery store and bumped into Daniel Craig or Taylor Swift, I have to admit I probably would get excited. But, they are people. Is the money what makes us like them or envy them? The looks? The fame itself? 

As I stated earlier, I’m mesmerized by the talents and achievements of these individuals. As a 13-year-old, I used to stay up late at night in my bedroom watching Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal snatch up NBA titles like it was nothing. Taylor Swift’s ability to pour her emotions into a noteworthy and good-sounding tune is impressive. Plus, she’s pretty. I’d love to be able to fight like Rhonda Rousey. I wish I had the brain power of Jordan Peterson. I wish I was from some place cool like Hawaii, as Bethany Dillon is. What if I really did have Kerri Walsh’s physique? Ahhh.

I think we often neglect to think about the work that successful people have put in over the years. The sacrifice, the toil, the time, the pain. Many have given up sleep, relationships, their homes, their freedom, other hobbies so that they could be the best in their field. Many chose to forgo certain things in order to pursue one thing that they really wanted – hence, the one thing they are really known for (I read a book about this called The Dip). Sometimes fame and success and money are the fruits of hard labor and sacrifice.

Successful people inspire me. I don’t envy them. That would be silly. I’m not them. Competence, skill, success, beauty – they are admirable things. I can aspire to be the best me I can be. Imagine a world where everyone is their best at their particular skill, craft, hobby, profession, whatever. I’m sure I’ll never be in a movie or win a surf competition in Hawaii or win a Grammy or play in the Olympics. And I may never earn a million dollars doing what I like. But you know what, I will write what’s on my heart and share it with people. I will be the best wife I can possibly be to my husband – by being his friend, cheerleader, confidant. I’ll love my dog with all my heart and make his life as great as I can. I’ll read and study and take feedback so I can be the best nurse practitioner that I can possibly be. I’ll pursue optimal health for my body. Imagine the ramifications of these actions. Sharing knowledge, enriching another’s life, bringing healing, being an asset in my world rather than a liability or burden.

So, that’s why I like celebrities. They encourage me to be my best. I don’t need to look like them or produce what they produce. What if we all strove to be excellent in our trades? Think of how that would change families, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, governments…the world. Each person, whether a mom, a dad, a politician, a store clerk, a housekeeper, a veterinarian, a teacher, an accountant, a mechanic, and so forth, has the ability to be a rock star. So aim to be one. Anything less is a disservice to society. Besides, you may be surprised at the result. ~