Reality Television

I am a closet reality television fan.  I say that because many people I know feel that reality television is a waste of time - fluff.  What can you possibly get from reality tv?  Me, I am a sucker for any show that can tap in to my heart and inspire me.  I am an American Idol watcher, not because I like to watch Simon pick on people but truly because I am inspired by watching people follow their dream.  I like Extreme Home Makeover because it is great to watch a community come together and help people who actually need it.  Sometimes the shows that you least expect to move you, surprise you and you find yourself in tears.  The other night I found myself watching America’s Got Talent.  I have flipped past that show on numerous occasions but stopped to watch for a moment. Just in time for Emily, a single mother of three to come on.  Her story is like many people I have met in my days as a social worker. She lived in the projects, and gave up her dream of singing to take care of her kids.  As she spoke she talked about her struggles and said for so long she felt like nothing could ever happen for her, and then one day she looked in the mirror and said, ” Why not? Why not me.”  Such a fantastic and empowering two words, why not?  She ended by saying,” the journey is never giving up.” Huh, and I almost flipped past her.   What a message to share.  If that moment on another reality show is all she has, well she has inspired one person.  She has inspired me.  What a powerful tool reality television can be.  Keep your mind open, and your ears, there may be a lesson amongst all of the fluff.