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2. Would you like to be famous? In what way? *

I would like to be “micro” famous – important and recognizable to a few but not all.

I’ve been recognized in a store based on my online persona in a different lifetime. I’ve had long-time friends respond with, “Oh! That’s you?!” when talking about an old ‘net handle. In some ways, I guess that means I’m micro-famous already?

But those are incredibly specific versions in terms of geographical and interest loci. I would love to go beyond those… where someone comes up to me during my travels and says a simple, “thank you.” That would signify that I have made a difference in someone’s life that I have not directly interacted with. My words had power; my compassion was contagious; my ideas resonated.

Fame, in this sense, would mean that my life had a lasting effect, that my memory would carry on beyond my immediate circles.

I don’t want to be the next movie star or advertising model. I would not appreciate my face plastered on Times Square. I don’t want to be the next big author – that would come with too much pressure for what comes “next.” I am not interested in being a politician. I have a past that I would like to stay there.

I have more than enough. My micro-fame needs not come with a micro-fortune. You know, in case the universe is listening.

And, since I’m listening, I guess I should get on with putting more of my words and ideas out there, if I ever want to make that kind of impact on the world.

* Aron, A., Melinat, E., Aron, E. N., Vallone, R. D., & Bator, R. J. (1997). The Experimental Generation of Interpersonal Closeness: A Procedure and Some Preliminary Findings. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 23(4), 363-377. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167297234003