Really? Me, a Celebrity? by Julie Watson Smith

I was going to sit down and write a post on the empowerment of mom-writers, but I got distracted when my sister, who is visiting from St. Louis, asked me tonight, "If you could be any celebrity for one day, who would you be?" The answers ranged from Barack Obama (because he seems to have the right mix of backing, charisma and energy to bring issues to the table that will be actually be addressed) and the sample lady at Costco (because she could probably eat all that ice cream she was handing out). The one answer, though, that caused my mouth to drop was my youngest daughter's response. "I want to be you, mom. Because I just want to see what it is like to be you."

Okay...let me stop there and just say "wow." What a compliment! I've never thought about someone wanted to be me. Really, me, a celebrity? I'm just the gal with big dreams and a lot of laundry piling up. I asked my  daughter what made her want to be me, and here's her answer...

"Mommy, I just think you are the best mommy ever. I just want to see what that is like."

CLUNK. BOOM. CRASH. That was pretty much the sound of my jaw hitting the floor...again. As a mom and a writer, I strive to make an impact on the world around me (that includes my children, my readers, my friends, and more), but I never know if I never make that impact...until now. 

My 4-year-old made me realize that anyone can be a celebrity. Let me say that again, anyone can be a celebrity. From the sample gal at Costco to Barack Obama to me, anyone can be a celebrity. But what does that really mean in a world when girls who list their tops and bare it all become part of today's upper crust?  I'll tell you...being a celebrity - a true celebrity - means living your life with a pure heart and an open-mind. Rather than just being known for wild antics and million-dollar deals, celebrities are those that touch the lives of others through inspiration and imagination. Celebrities - especially those that spend their days making peanut butter sandwiches, watching Blues Clues and chauffeuring kids from endless activities - impact our world in far greater ways on a regular basis through words of wisdom, tender kisses and lots and lots of hugs.

After reflecting upon my daughter's response, I decided to change my answer of which celebrity I wanted to be. So, who do I want to be? I think I just want to be me.

What about you? What celebrity do you want to be?  (BTW, my other choices were Gwen Stefani or Jack Canfield because I believe they are both influential forces of inspiration, imagination and kindness. Plus, I totally dig Gwen's style).

In chaos and creativity,
Julie Watson Smith
Chaos and Creativity Coach/Founder, Inspired Imaginations
Award-winning author, Mommyhood Diaries

Comments

[Maureen Locher]

Hey, celeb Julie, can I have your autograph? What a sweet child you have. There's no one I'd rather be than me, too, but by the very fact of my writing those words I surely must be on the verge of insanity!

Maureen Locher
Copy editor MWLM

[Karrie McAllister]

It's amazing what a well-needed boost a kid can provide. Thanks for sharing that sweet story, Julie. It's a great reminder that even if your book isn't selling well or a rejection letter comes your way, someone still thinks you're pretty famous and incredible.

What celebrity would I be? I don't know, but someone told me the other night that I looked like Neve Campbell, and it's not the first time I heard that. Makes me laugh!

karrie

[Sue Donckels]

What a great time in your life! WOW! You must be one of those wonderful, well-balanced moms!

I wouldn't want to be a true, in-the-spotlight celebrity. They just don't get any privacy, and some of them have looks of agony on their faces when the cameras show up.

As hormonal and troubled I can be, I guess I like just being me. Thanks for putting this in perspective!

[Veronica]

My daughters seem to think I'm a celebrity, too. The last time I was interviewed by our local newspaper, the girls were home on Christmas break. They were lucky enough to get their picture in the paper, too.

But as the reporter asked questions, my oldest daughter sat there in wide-eyed disbelief, and drew a picture of two people with the caption "Somwon is intrviwing Mommy".

When the interview was printed, and it was my daughter's pic on the front page announcing the story, I deflected my celebrity off on her.

If I were going to be a celebrity for a day... I'd want to be an actor from Star Trek. I just love playing in that universe.

[Jennifer Brown]

Wow, what a cool kiddo you have! Once my daughter said something along the lines of not wanting to be "just a mom," and I was shocked at how ALL that I do can be just rolled into a little ball of "just a mom." She didn't mean it unkindly, of course, but I've heard it so many times. Last year at The Hub's office Christmas party, one of his old partners (and a psychologist, at that!) said, "So are you doing anything these days, Jennifer, or are you just staying home with the kids?" Again, not meant to be unkind, but unkind just the same.

So to have a kiddo who is so elevated is a gift and you must have done something right! A celebrity indeed!

jen
p.s. I'd so want to be John Lennon. Before 1980, that is.

[Paula]

Julie,

Awwww, how sweet!! That gives me goose bumps, that is so adorable. You are one super mama :)

Paula

p.s. I dig Gwen's style too.