The glory of internet role models and one thing to keep in mind

Have you ever felt enamored by someone you discovered on the internet? You know a powerhouse of a person whose work inspires you—who you think to yourself, “Yes! More of that please!” I’ve been thinking of this lately because over the last couple of months I’ve come across some pretty amazing women online. And I’ve felt “enamored.”

It’s the perfect word for this actually. Because you only see the shiny surface—whatever it is that they are showing on top. Which is fine. It’s great actually. Because the beauty of finding people that inspire you—is that they can help you take it to the next level (in whatever way they speak to you). It’s okay that it’s mostly on the surface of their Instagram or Twitter feed or what have you. That’s fine actually. Because the real purpose of a role model—even one you find on the internet— is to brush up against your life in a way that inspires you to be more YOU, not be more them.

You take the qualities you love about them, and apply to yourself. That’s right.

I remember once hearing that Oprah Winfrey, when she was starting out her career, used to pretend that she was Barbara Walters. It was her way of imitating success.  Isn’t it funny to think of now—Oprah Winfrey “pretending” to be a television star.   But that’s how she started—and that’s a perfectly acceptable way. She picked up what she admired in someone else and tried it on herself. She used her role model as a stepping off point—to help her become or imbibe qualities that she desired. It’s a great (and timeless) way to start.

No one would accuse Oprah Winfrey of being Barbara Walters now. That’s because you don’t become your role model. You are your own unique self. You use them (in a symbiotic way) to make something better of yourself. They help you elevate the qualities you value in yourself to the next level.

Because in the end it’s not about them; it’s about you. It’s not their life you’ve got to shape—it’s yours! If you are interested in what they eat for breakfast and where they’ve been lately too fine. Cool. You can probably find it on their Twitter feed. But remember in the end, it’s really all about you!

We inspire each other. That’s the beauty of it. We look around and see what other’s are doing, and bounce off it in our own unique way. It’s lovely really.

So if you’re looking for more things to bounce off of—stay tuned. Tomorrow I’m going to publish my current list of internet lovelies— because I believe in sharing the loveliness. So if you’re looking for something that glitters and makes light to brighten up your own room, check back tomorrow. I’ll see you here then.

Until then— like one of the best greeting cards I’ve seen said, “Shine on you crazy diamond—shine on!”