Big Dreamer Wants Fame
DEAR HARRIETTE: Is it vain to dream of fame? For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of the glitz and glam synonymous with fame. The paparazzi, fans, money and endless opportunities entice me. I thought I would've outgrown this by college; however, I feel like my hunger and desire have only grown. I have started enacting plans to reach the pinnacles of fame I have dreamed up for so long. Sometimes I feel like I come off as delusional, but I truly feel like it's my destiny. Am I foolish for thinking my dream could come true, or am I simply a big dreamer? -- Future Famous
DEAR FUTURE FAMOUS: You have every right to dream whatever you want. We live in a celebrity-driven society, which thrives on fame, so it's no surprise you would be attracted to it. For some, with fame comes attention, flash, money and more. My challenge to you is to have you choose what you want to be famous for. Fame itself is not enough. What field do you want to work in? How do you want to make your mark on society? What path will you follow? Simply wanting to be famous is not enough. You must choose an area to dedicate yourself and build on that. A friend of mine wrote a book on the subject that might interest you. Ramon Hervey helped engineer the careers of many celebrities. This book gives a peek inside that world: "The Fame Game: An Insider's Playbook for Earning Your 15 Minutes."
DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently got into a really bad car accident, and I'm very lucky to be alive today. However, I broke both of my legs and have been really struggling not only physically but mentally. I am bound to a wheelchair and can't be there for my young children the way I used to be. I used to be able to run around and play with them. Now I can only sit and watch. My children are still young, and they don't fully understand why I can't do the things I used to do with them. I try my best to stay positive around them, but there are moments when I feel like I am letting them down. I miss being the parent who could take them to the park, chase them around the yard and get down on the floor to play with them. Now, even simple things that I once took for granted require help from someone else. I know I survived something that could have taken my life, and I am incredibly grateful to be here for my children. But knowing I am lucky to be alive doesn't make it easy to accept how much my life has changed. I know this is only temporary as thankfully my legs will heal, but it's hard to continue watching from the sidelines. How can I adjust to being a different kind of parent while I recover without feeling like a failure? -- Broken
DEAR BROKEN: Rally the support of friends and family during your healing time. Talk to your children about patience. It will take some time for you to heal, and they can be of help. Give them tasks to serve as your helpers. Remind them and yourself of the blessing that you are alive and that every day you get a bit better. Practice positivity and patience.
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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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