I’ve lived in three different major cities where celebrities and well-known people reside: London, New York and (now) Los Angeles. Interestingly, each city approaches and deals with famous people differently.

In London, the average person couldn’t be bothered. Similarly in New York. However, in Los Angels, there is a culture that is celebrity-focused and applauding. Might be because of Hollywood; however, it is apparent here that people of fame stature are treated above others.

Although I have dated a few well-known people and am sometimes fascinated by the culture of people who believe that they are above others, I have rarely been influenced or aspired to be like a celebrity.

Yes, I have (and still) admire what some people who have acquired success in their own field represent. But, that is not just in one industry; it is in all industries.

Here are 3 reasons that I don’t look up to Celebrities, Gurus and SuperYogis to be my saviour:

1. Most of them are out of touch.

When I remember one of my family members, who was famous in South Africa, I have memories of how she had to run from people to feel like her true self. This left an impression on me for the rest of my life. You see, I have always loved to sing but detested what came with it. My family member showed me this: shady contracts, untrustworthy people and the need to always be number one.

When I was in a relationship with a well-known Producer, I was given a taste of this again. He could never let his guard down because he had to keep up an image/persona that was contrary to who he was. His battle between who he perceived to be and is, created a struggle and (in my opinion) he lost touch of why he started making music in the first place.

Although many famous people make themselves seem relatable; the average person shares very little with them. Which is okay. After meeting and dating some well-known people, I have learnt that I have almost nothing in common with them. I would rather look up to people that I can genuinely relate to and speak of their character from an authentic place; rather than an image that is portrayed to The World through campaigns and media.

2. Hard work is often not rewarded through a paycheck.

I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most hardworking people in my life and most of them have not been recognized or well-known. This does not mean that famous people don’t work hard; it just means that sometimes we look past the average worker when they can be more inspiring than someone who is on the cover of a magazine.

I have had the privilege of working many different jobs and meeting the person who cleans toilets, picks up after other people and manages a bunch of staff without the recognition that they deserve but with a big smile on their face are the people that I admire and look up to for hope.

One of the most distinctive memories that I have of my junior school was greeting one of Our Gardeners who always had a smile on his face. Every morning, he would grace me with his white and pearly smile and it gave me hope and inspired me to always stay positive. It has left an imprint on my life and I will always remember him as an inspiration to me.

3. I want a simple life.

I have been very vocal and literary expressive about when I decided to leave the music industry. My experience was that I had to change to be able to do what I can do naturally, sing. I believe in evolution; however, I don’t believe in changing my authentic self to appease others. Which is a contradiction to what some Publicists and Producers told me would get me recognized for my work. I had one Producer tell me that most people who are famous can’t sing well, it is about image. It was then that I promised to remain authentic to myself and the people that I loved.

I left the industry and began to do some serious soul-searching and healing. 8 years later, I am grateful to be exactly where I am. In society’s eyes, I may not be as worthy as someone like Kylie Jenner or another extremely rich person who is a young adult. But, I have my dignity, pride and I can walk in a park and get lost in my imagination without being recognized or noticed. I notice myself and love myself, that is what I value more than false recognition based off of an image, money and what I can do for others.

My life is simple and I like it this way.