By the time you read this, I’ll be in Shannon, on soil that’s been calling me since birth. Hard to explain it, but I’ve never felt quite “complete” before. I’ve always felt there was a home I needed to get back to, even before I realized how Irish I was. Listen to the instincts.
I want to thank all who volunteered to help me out during my vacation. I hate leaving a blog idle. It seems unfair to the readers and friends who gather here. So thank you, everyone, for continuing to drop by and for giving some blog love to our guest posters.
Today’s guest post is from our very own Cathy Miller, who shares more than one passion with me – she’s also a fan of Project Runway. I’m thrilled to be able to share Cathy’s experience and wisdom here.
Mondo Life Lessons from Project Runway
by Cathy Miller
I was thrilled to hear that Lori shares my love of Project Runway.
Although I hate reality TV – just so much drama and backstabbing – I do appreciate shows that celebrate creativity.
That’s what hooked me on Project Runway. Come on, outfits out of trash bags? And they look great – genius.
TRUE LIFE DRAMA
Episode 10 that aired on September 30 was full of drama. Rather than reaching for the remote to turn it off, I was a weepy mess.
My first crying jag started when Project Runway surprised the remaining seven contestants with visits from their families. As a middle child of seven, I understand family – warts, love and all.
Just before this point in the show, one of the contestants, Mondo Guerra, revealed a secret he had kept for a very long time.
With the clever editing of Project Runway, it appeared viewers knew the secret before any of the contestants or judges – even before Mondo’s mother.
Mondo is HIV-positive.
LIFE’S CHALLENGES
In the ironic twist of art imitating life, Mondo’s confession came on the heels of the tragic story of the suicide of a teen violinist, Tyler Clementi.
Tyler’s roommate allegedly posted a video of Tyler being intimate with another man. That act apparently sparked Tyler’s suicide.
Episode 10 of Project Runway delivered a challenge that turned out to be the catalyst for the revelation of Mondo’s 10-year secret.
The challenge was creating a textile with images or symbols that represented something deeply meaningful to each contestant.
WHEN LIFE HANDS YOU LEMONS
Mondo created his signature color textile, but with a large, black plus sign graphic, repeated throughout the design.
The plus sign represented his HIV-positive diagnosis. But, it represents so much more, like the positive way Mondo has chosen to live his life since the diagnosis. He is following his dream – despite the odds.
At first, Mondo did not reveal his secret on the runway. He merely said the pattern was a symbolism of his life and it was very personal.
Ironically, the guest judge found Mondo’s inspiration of where he had been in his life, as inconsistent with the design. She felt the pattern was too perfect for representing life and said, “I assume no one’s life is perfect.” Wow.
Mondo found the courage to reveal his long-held secret.
LIFE LESSONS
At this point of the show, I am leaking buckets. The episode held too many life lessons to list. Here are just a few.
• You never know the burdens another person bears
• There is freedom in acceptance
• Sharing opens eyes
• You decide if you want to live life
• Don’t think good or bad – think different
• Different creates life
Episode 10 was reality. In our life, in our work, we can all benefit from a few lessons like these. What are some of your greatest life lessons?
12 responses to “Guest Post: Life Lessons from Project Runway”
I'm impressed with your post, Cathy. Good job. I don't watch Project Runway, but I do like how you pulled the life lesson message from it.
A life lesson heard a lot in the area where I live is: Get fer goin'!
(It's pretty much the same as Larry the Cable guy's Get 'er done.) Basically, it translates to "What the heck are you waiting for? Go!"
If you have a book you want to write then get on your butt and do it or do what you need, to get it accomplished. If you want to catch that big fish, then get off your butt and ask people where the hot spots are or what baits are working the best. Sitting around and whining about it never gets us anywhere.
Thanks, Wendy. I love your Get fer goin' and the sentiment behind it.
Whining doesn't move you forward so you might as well get fer goin' 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Love this post! So true. Thanks for sharing.
Smack me upside the head, Cathy. I may write about TV, but have never watched Project Runway.
You'd think I would have tuned in after an editor wanted me to ask a bunch of actors and producer about what shows they watch. I can't tell you how many people said Project Runway (another big fave was Top Chef). Each person singled out the astounding creativity demonstrated by the contestants.
Apparently it offers good life lessons, too. Doggone it. I might just have to tune in now.
My biggest life lesson has helped in the current economy: Learn to make do with what you have. (Okay, so my dad really said, "Learn to make due with what you got," but I just had to clean it up.)
@Sarah-thanks for the kudos-it was fun to do some non-business writing blogging 🙂
@Paula – I love Top Chef, too, and it is the creativity I admire. I hate the silly back-stabbing and both Lori & I thought the Project Runway episode after Mondo's announcement was full of the bad side of human nature. I watch for the creativity – the Mondo episode was an unexpected jewel.
I like that life lesson. I left 30+ years of Corporate and a 6-figure job to freelance so that really resonates with me.
Thanks to you and Sarah for dropping by and sharing your comments.
That was one incredible episode +++ !!! This is the first season I've ever watched of Project Runway. After hearing so much, I decided to take a peek though I'm hardly into fashion (and it shows in what I wear to work). Glad I did.
Not all reality TV is bad. I enjoy Top Chef and Undercover Boss (inspirational, a delight seeing humanity in companies).
Anyway, off track. Wonderful story to use to share a lesson. I've been a full-time freelancer since 2005 and love it. Every dream job has tough days and moments. But you handle them better because you already love what you do. In a corporate environment, those bad moments do more damage when you aren't happy in the job.
Thanks for this thought-provoking post, Cathy. I especially like your observation: You never know what burdens other people bear. So true. It can be difficult to see outside our own little circle sometimes, especially when dealing with difficult stuff. But it's so important to realize that no one's life is perfect and everyone is dealing with something.
Nice piece, Cathy. I haven't ever seen the show (not my style, haha), but you've made it sound compelling. Like Meryl, I am a fan of Top Chef and Undercover Boss. But my true reality favorites are all of the Discovery Channel fishing shows, since I used to lobster as a kid…and now I'm landlocked in AZ.
@Meryl-thank you for sharing your comments. Is Undercover Boss still on? I only saw it once, but loved the stories that came out of it. The part of the reality TV I don't like is when the message is that you succeed by being the most devious & back-stabbing. That's why I like the ones where talent is what counts – like Project Runway & Top Chef. And I looove the creativity.
@Ashley – I always try to remember that observation above all. It's not always easy. 🙂 Thanks for the nice words and sharing your thoughts.
@Jake – I lived almost 30 years within blocks of the Pacific Ocean. Now I live in Boise, ID, so I understand the landlocked. 🙂 I used to love as a kid when my family rented a cabin and went fishing in Canada. Thanks for stopping by and the nice words, Jake.
I was afraid no one would visit while Lori was gone. I appreciate all the support. 🙂
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Cathy,
Great post! I am not a big fan of TV myself (I have 3 kids under 4, so if it is not on Disney Channel, I usually don't see it ;). You convinced me though, I am going to check out episode 10 on Hulu and hopefully I don't end up "leaking buckets" myself <– love that 🙂
Hi Sal: Thanks for stopping by and the nice words.
I'm pretty selective about what I watch. I read far more than I watch TV. Like I said, my hook is one where it showcases creativity-in whatever form that takes.
This particular episode of Project Runway was special. I didn't like the next one too much because it was back to backstabbing. They are down to the last show (maybe two) where the finalists go to Fashion Week and have months to make their line.
Let us know what you think.