One Pimple is One Too Many - Keeping up with the Jonases

Hello hello hello!

How are you this fine Monday? Good? Glad to hear!
Today I want to talk about something everyone deals with: envy.

We've all heard about keeping up with the Joneses... but today it's more than just keeping up with your neighbors or the people around you. Today, it seems more people want to keep up with celebrities... or the Jonases.

I saw a documentary not too long ago about a group of teenagers in Los Angeles who became so consumed with becoming or acting like the celebrities that they started robbing their houses! The media dubbed them the 'bling ring' and it opened the eyes of parents all across America.

We live in a celebrity obsessed world. There's no other way around it. There are millions of blogs, social networking sites and publications dedicated to telling us about the daily happenings ((and drama!)) of celebrities. It's become a part of our culture. Is it a good thing? Probably not. But I don't see it changing anytime soon.

We all have our "favorite" celebrities. We all are guilty of talking about the Hollywood relationship gossip. It doesn't make it right. I'm not saying we should all stop -- since realistically, that doesn't seem possible -- but maybe we should reevaluate how much time we spend on talking about people who don't affect our day to day lives.

I'm definitely not one to point fingers. I love reading through various magazines to see all the cool fashions and new things celebrities are trying. And I'll admit, I like to see whose dating who.

BUT, I'm reminded that reading about the celebrities and actually being one are two different things. Unless you are a part of their daily lives, you really don't have a say in what they do, what they wear, who they date etc. etc.

There's nothing wrong with seeing a cute dress and wanting something similar ((especially if it's really cute!!)) but remember that you don't have to dress or act a certain way to be accepted. You are awesome just as you are! When fandom becomes obsession, you cross into some dangerous territory. Look at the kids from the 'bling ring'. All they wanted was to be just like the celebrities and are now facing jail time.

Just remember: you are special, beautiful ((or handsome!)) and accepted just as you are. Why try to be a celebrity when you get the distinct honor of being YOU? There's no one in the world quite like you. Man! You are a prize! :)

Hope you have a great week!

Ariel <3