We all took something away from Oscars 2020 — The 92nd Academy Awards. Some of us are jamming Eminem this morning, while others are googling celeb workout routines.
I, on the other hand, am aspiring to be LIKE Rita Wilson.
But before I explain myself, let me say this: I am getting my information about Rita from the internet. Most of my “facts” are from Wikipedia (tagged above). So, if I get something wrong — consider my source. Ok, Karen?
Rita Wilson has been showing up on our TV screens and the Big Screen for some time — you may remember her from Now and Then (my all time favorite movie), Runaway Bride, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. She stands on her own two feet and has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is also a singer/songwriter and has written over 20 articles that have been published in Harper’s Bazaar, Huffington Post, and The Oprah Magazine.
But she has also been married to Tom Hanks for over 30 years.
Don’t get me wrong. I love me some Tom Hanks. Still though, this is not why I am aspiring to be like Rita Wilson.
Last night as I watched the Oscars, she continued to catch my eye. Sure, she is stunning. And sure, she was seated in the front row next to her boo and Oscar nominee.
But it was her RADIANT JOY that captivated me.
From the first time she was shown until Tom’s encore for Parasite at the very end, she was so happy to be just where she was.
I know what you are thinking — “Rebecca, she’s an actress for goodness’ sake! She was placed on the front row! She was acting!”
Maybe she was. But acting or not, it was infectious. Her JOY filled the screen. And while she may not have felt the joy she conveyed, I CAUGHT IT.
So, I am inspired. We may not always feel joy. And there may not be much we can do about it sometimes. And for that reason, if we at the very least exude joy, even and maybe especially on the harder days, maybe someone else will catch it. Maybe that someone else will really need to catch it.
I am aspiring to fill your window into my life with JOY. I hope you catch it.
Thank you, Rita. I loved watching you last night more than Chuck loved Wilson in Castaway.
P.S. Some of you know that my family is celebrating our Theo’s third birthday this week. It is a tough week, and I could benefit from catching a little joy. As I read up on Rita Wilson this morning over coffee, I learned that she and Tom have two kids together, the youngest of whom is named Truman THEODORE Hanks. I see you, my Theo.
P.P.S. Chuck’s Wilson in Castaway was named because of the soccer ball’s branding. But, maybe also a nod to his IRL best friend — Rita Wilson?
