Never has a TV personality- let alone a character on a reality TV show- inspired me the way NeNe from the hit Bravo show The Real Housewives of Atlanta. I am unabashedly in love with this goddess, who proudly declares in the intro, “I’m not keeping up with the Jonses- I am the Jonses.” Not only is she hysterically funny, witty, and completely charismatic, she is also intuitive and wise. However, her most attractive quality is how she unapologetically moves through the world- completely comfortable in her own skin and in the present moment.

It is rare too find a woman who makes no excuses for who she is. It is also unusual for someone to be authentically joyful. I love how Nene responds to criticism and challenges. She doesn’t hide, avoid, or get defensive, rather she faces everything head-on. Her response to the internet rumor that she was a stripper was nothing short of brilliant. She created and directed an “Alter-Ego” photo shoot and dressed up like a stripper. And for that shoot, she was 100% a stripper- she took on the character with more passion and zest than most Hollywood actresses are capable of. 

It is also unusual to come across a woman in the media who truly makes me feel good about myself. I often find myself watching programs or seeing pictures of abnormally gorgeous women who refuse to self-deprecate and take themselves so damn seriously. These are the celebrities that portray the image of the perfect mother, who not only works 18 hour days, but also had the time and energy to take on several charity causes while taking care of their children- and look flawless while accomplishing this.

For some reason, I never feel inspired when I see an interview with Angelina Jolie or Madonna- I just feel like I am not good enough. Hell- I can hardly balance my little writing gig with all my family responsibilities, yet these women manage to take it all on and more, and never even look dumpy or have their greasy hair hiding under a baseball cap- like I do most days! But when I watch NeNe attack life with gusto and grace, I feel good enough, and totally inspired to follow my passion too.

And for all of this, NeNe is my American Idol.

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 5th, 2009 at 2:48 pm and is filed under 1. Angst Mom Essays. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.