Is Oscar really just gold-coated plastic?
The attendees of the Oscars last night, held right in my large backyard known as L.A., shone in glimmering splendor like the gold dust so generously flecked throughout the hills of the Gold Coast of California. Amazingly, after decades upon decades, there is still gold in them, thar hills.
I have to admit I’m out of touch these days with who’s who in Hollywood and I’m not particularly drawn to the whole glamour scene, but as I watched the Oscars last night, what touched me most was the authenticity of all those overly plastic, primped, propped-up people–that collection of gold flakes gathered from the hills and collected together to sell to you, the public. Each one of them was adorned in fine fabrics and beveled jewels, sending the silent message, “Pick me. Pick me!”
There’s a lot of raw gold out here in the epicenter of entertainment. And regardless of how it’s polished and presented, it is still authentic. I was saving ‘authenticity’ as the last topic of my BASIC NEEDS series of postings when the Oscars came along. Watching all the folks honored, especially all those in the trenches of the mines who develop anything from costume design to sound to an engaging original screenplay, what I saw were truly authentic people giving their hearts and their lives to a very unique, specific line of work that pushes them to exhaustion doing what they most love to do. It was a good example of authenticity and I found myself both inspired by them and quietly challenged to do the same. No, I don’t expect to spend my life’s energy in the entertainment business but I do commit to uncovering the greatness I know is inside me–that inborn light that allows me to shine as bright as possible.
Allow me this one moment to take center stage on my soap box . . . It’s important to do what it is you most want to do. Eventually, you may have no choice but to get yourself in proper alignment, like the smaller gold flecks and larger Afflecks have in Hollywood (personal lives and drama aside). Because if you don’t, one day you may feel sick enough inside that nothing can appease you because there is nothing authentic about you at all. Be prepared that when you realize who you are and what you are happiest doing or being, you might find you’ve gotten yourself so locked in to a life, a person, a job, a way of being that you cannot let your true self out. But you must allow yourself to shine. It’ll be a shame it took so long but far worse had you never done something about it.
Be yourself. Be happy with yourself. Do what fills your soul with joy.
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What was your impression of the Oscars last night? How authentic are you in your life?
Sue, LOVED this post. I watched a bit of the Oscars thought I think Seth what-his-name’s jokes (some of them) were in poor taste. I love when the peeps behind the scenes are honored too. I’m like you — on some kind of journey to find my authentic self. Sooner or later, you have no choice which is what your beautifully written post is all about. xo
Thanks for your kind words, Brigitte! I agree with you about Seth what’s-his-name. I still don’t know who he is and agree with you about the unnecessary cheap shots. High class is hard to find in the humor/hosting arena . . . many of the up-and-coming hosts deliver material best suited for a ‘roast’ which they seem to think every event is. Okay, so there is fool’s gold in L.A. too. That is the reality. I’m glad Affleck, so much a target of Seth’s negative digs it seemed, got his just deserves in the end and walked away with an Oscar. Take that, Mr. Whatever-the-heck-your-name-is!
You’re right, I do seem to be on a journey towards my authentic self. The Geiger counter that lets me know if I’m getting close measures when I’m doing something that makes me feel joyful and satisfied, and coaxes me to smile. I’m getting close but I’m still waiting for the day to yell, “Eureka!”
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I don’t think there could have been a better time for me to read this post. This sentiment right here is how I’ve been feeling lately:
“… I do commit to uncovering the greatness I know is inside me–that inborn light that allows me to shine as bright as possible…It’s important to do what it is you most want to do.”
And, if I don’t act soon, this is my biggest fear:
“Because if you don’t, one day you may feel sick enough inside that nothing can appease you because there is nothing authentic about you at all…you might find you’ve gotten yourself so locked in to a life, a person, a job, a way of being that you cannot let your true self out.”
Thank you for the added inspiration! It bolsters my courage and re-affirms my decision to pursue my dreams!
I think we are reading each other’s posts at exactly the same time today!! LOL.
You might just find some shining jewels inside you that you couldn’t even imagine existed!! You go, girl !!!!