I often wonder where our fascination with celebrities comes from. Why do we care so much about what these people do in their free time? No judgement here. I’m guilty of it as well. I have a room full of autographed sports memorabilia. More so than just looking up to an athlete or musician. More than just idolizing what these people do on the field or stage. I’m talking about how we let them speak for us. The way we put them on pedestals, all because they can throw a ball or give a stunning performance in this year’s blockbuster.

Hollywood is full of hypocrisy. Do as I say, not as I do. They’re on the front of every magazine and on every talk show. And we line up to be the first to see them and read about them. I know that in the basic form, it’s all about money. The editor for Cosmo isn’t exactly interested in doing a story on Ryan from small town Michigan. I think the answer goes beyond just money. There’s an atmosphere about it that almost resembles addiction. Obsession and addiction aren’t far off from one another. However, can you be addicted to celebrity news and gossip?

What I’ve been seeing lately are movies and television series that are all about surviving a celebrity rape or assault. From R. Kelly to the late Michael Jackson. The NFL has been plagued with physical assault cases for years now. It’s full of men who have beaten women they claim to love. Convicted murderers and animal abusers seem to be the norm. Even those like O.J. Simpson, who may not have been found guilty, but we all know better. The list goes on. And most of these Hollywood and athletic “elites” get away with it. They are issued a fine or kicked off of a team, only to get picked up by another.

These are the people we idolize? This just doesn’t make sense to me. None of it. They’ve mucked up the waters and try to influence us, as if what they have to say should be taken as gospel. It’s difficult for me to listen to millionaires tell me who I should vote for. They live in gated communities with their property surrounded by a 12-foot wall and tell us we shouldn’t build one at the border because it’s “racist”. They travel with armed security, but think we should give up our guns. I lost count at the number of actors that I hear about being anti-gun, but every movie they make, you can find them shooting one.

The current journey I am on, doesn’t allow for such things to occupy my brain space. I have found if I write it, I get rid of it. I’m in search of peace and joy and happiness and love. My children are my life. My wife is my rock. That’s where I put my focus. And I encourage them, as well as anyone, to think for yourself. Never let anyone dictate how you should feel.

With gratitude,

Ryan