One of the things that make certain celebrities famous and in-demand is the myth that comes to surround them about “who” they are. The SO MUCH larger than life image that, over time, people expect to see from them. Lady Gaga in a meat dress or some similar, jaw-dropping outfit, Martha Stewart ALWAYS creating beautiful things, Jimmy Carter constantly negotiating peace, Clint Eastwood saying, “Go ahead, make my day,” or Michael Jackson doing ANYTHING with that one sparkling glove.

On the one hand, this kind of mythological status is fantastic because it’s a simple idea that people can latch onto and want more of. It’s a great way to make a career catch on like wildfire.

The downside, however, can be devastating.

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***This post was originally published in Rebecca Soulette’s newsletter, Latte For The Soul, yesterday (Sept 11, 2011) but, at the request of a number of the subscribers, it’s now here too–a day late, but the sentiment is still the same!***

Today is my annual “don’t turn on the TV day,” because I REALLY don’t want to be sucked in to reliving Sept 11th over and over and over and over, from every conceivable angle and situation. Living through the original day and making my own peace with it was enough for me.

Every year, around this time, my friends and I have talks about whether all of this “reliving it” stuff is beneficial to us or not. I know that some people need it–especially many who lost loved ones or who had a particularly hard-to-heal day that day. And many folks who weren’t in NYC, DC, or PA appreciate being able to have a day to honor what a tough day it was.

But here’s what I have a problem with: the peer pressure that can result from this kind of  (forced) collective remembrance. (more…)

As I write this, I’m sitting in my room in the suite my mother and I are sharing at the Ritz Carlton. One of my cousins just got married, and this hotel suite has been our home base for the festivities. Though my out-of-town family is staying here to be near to the bride and groom, I’m here purely for the luxury. Because the truth is, we’re in New York City, and I live just a few blocks away–in my not-quite-as-ritzy apartment. (more…)