Re-evaluating Star Jones

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Clara_Freeman]Clara Freeman

Needles to say, I have not always been so kind in print when it comes to Celebrity and their preoccupation with their obviously self indulgences and 'Me' mentality. As a woman, it pains me to see other women, in and out of the spotlight who have not reached the point of authenticity. Women, who act a certain way; present themselves in some fashion because it is what they feel society expects of them. Young Hollywood women are a clear example of this erroneous belief, because they have not come to know themselves. The journey of self discovery for them will be a very arduous road to travel, for sure.

However, when it comes to women of a certain age, women whom I refer to in my column as 'Women In Transition', the bottom line should be; We have nothing to prove. Women , we are mature, decision making adults who must not live life wishing to be liked. Star Jones recently admitted in an essay she'd written for the August issue of Glamour Magazine how she'd lied about having gastric bypass surgery prior to her departure from The View, because she was "embarrassed" and "scared of what people thought of her." I remember watching the TV one morning, shortly after this woman had the surgery. She was allocating vague health and medical interventions as cause for her ever diminishing weight loss...As they say in our world, "even Stevie Wonder could see through that lie."

As a nurse, I'd come to recognize surgical intervention as opposed to exercise and eating right. Star Jones rapid decline in weight suggested that exercise played a very small part, if any, in ridding herself of excess pounds. Taking a page from Al Rokers' book of being upfront and candid about undergoing gastric bypass would have prevented a lot of speculation, jokes and gossip, but, the damage was done and Ms. Jones credibility had come into question. I remember my own disappointment in this sistah who, whether she asked for it or not, was representing for many women of color. I wrote an article on the issue of Star Jones downward spiral into her 'big head me' mentality and an overall ratings failure amongst women on the journey of becoming their authentic selves.

Having read how this woman have reinvented herself. How she has turned another page in the chapter of her life. I can only surmise that it's about time. Women have got to get over themselves. They have got to realize that no amount of self indulgence is going to make you happy and whole. Do not get it twisted, I am all for looking and feeling good about yourself. I love pretty things. Adore smelling good. Playing dress up. Getting my Sexy on! But, I am doing it for myself. I am discovering my authentic self and it does not matter what anyone else thinks about me doing it my way. But, if that guy likes what I am truly about, it's all so good.It was Guy Finley who I lifted this quote after reading and relating to one of his motivational speeches; "Your opinion of me is none of my business." Women, it does not matter whether you are a Celebrity, Homemaker, Freelance Writer, or, Skid row Alumni, once you find your true self worth... What someone else thinks, is just a crap shoot...

Clara B. Freeman is a freelance writer/poet and columnist living in Illinois. An advocate for women, children and the elderly, she counsels from life experiences. You can read her column "Women In Trnsition" at [http://www.alumbo.com]http://www.alumbo.com, or email [mailto:clarabroger@aol.com]clarabroger@aol.com to comment on this article.