Selfish is the new selfless. Seems fitting as this column is all about giving to yourself so you have the time, energy and personal resources to give to others. Four Hollywood heavy-hitters embodied this philosophy as they were honored in Prevention Magazine’s “Hollywood Heroes” event – an evening in celebration of remarkable women committed to making a world of difference.
At the event, Kristin Chenoweth, who is popular on both stage and screen; Holly Robinson Peete of CBS’ “The Talk” morning show; Marg Helgenberger of CSI fame; and Laura Ziskin, former president of Fox 2000 Pictures, were lauded for their commitment to raising awareness for various causes. Each of these women took personal experiences, tragedies or passions and made a choice to make a difference for themselves and others.
Inspired by her beloved Maltese, Chenoweth founded Maddie’s Corner, a pet-focused organization with a mission to “inspire a more humane, thoughtful and tolerant society” that enhances the lives of both humans and animals. Robinson Peete and her husband Rodney Peete established the Hollyrod Foundation, which focuses on providing support to families living with Autism and Parkinson’s Disease. Robinson Peete was first touched to make a difference when her father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and again when her oldest son was diagnosed with Autism.
Though Helgenberger was honored for her work with the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis, she has hosted benefits each year after watching her mother put up a valiant fight against cancer. Ziskin, who received the “Hollywood Heroes” award posthumously, founded Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) after her own cancer diagnosis. SU2C created an historic awareness-raising television event that appeared on all four television networks and 12 cable networks simultaneously.
All four of these women represent what we each can do to make a difference in the world around us. What affects you, your life, your family? How can others benefit from your experiences? By looking inward, and helping ourselves heal by working through the obstacles we’ve faced, we can also help others improve their lives. Make a commitment today to make a difference. You might be surprised how being selfish is the most selfless thing you can do.
Doni Luckutt is a lifestyle expert who believes by enhancing interpersonal connection, we can stop simply living, and become Simply Alive! If you have a suggestion on what brings you to life, connect with her on Twitter @SimplyAlive, via e-mail Doni@SimplyAliveWorld.com or on her blog: .
