Okay, maybe Jesse didn’t beat Dennis physically, but he shut him down verbally. Last season’s Celebrity Apprentice featured  Joan Rivers, Herschel Walker, Clint Black, Jesse James and the unique, flamboyant and unmistakable Dennis Rodman. Dennis really cut up and showed his most ridiculous self and there was much drama. The Donald kept giving him a break and he would skate each week.

In HIS last episode, Dennis went into Screaming MeMe mode and said, “…I could kick all of your butts in everything…” to which the cool Jesse James patiently replied, “Well Dennis, why don’t you kick our butts at being the best YOU that you can be?” That ever so gently spoken truth was the slam dunk that shut Dennis down. He couldn’t even think of a good comeback shot because there was none.

Basically, Jesse called Dennis out for being ridiculous. And as uncomfortable as it might be, that’s what friends have to do sometimes. Dennis was not being a team player. He was drinking, shooting off at the mouth and being a turkey and a drag to work with in every way. Lawd have mercy! I’m glad I wasn’t on his team.

But here is the point: It’s not about Dennis – its about each of us – its about You and Me! Dennis is a gift to us. He shows that one side of human nature that’s hurting. I don’t know if he “got it” but I sure hope he does. Everybody has a ridiculous self. Some just show up more in a more socially acceptable form than others, although not in Dennis’ case.

You see, we each have an authentic self and a ridiculous self. Problem is, the authentic self gets overshadowed by lots of bad programming and shows up in crude ridiculous forms such as Screaming MeMe, Holding on to the need to be right, finger pointing and blaming, to name a few. Sometimes it may be a little funny in the moment, but it’s really tragic.

Simply Ridiculous is not about judging others but about becoming aware of negativity and ridiculousness in our ourselves, our culture and taking 100% responsibility for OUR STUFF. We can’t fix others. Our job is to confront our own ridiculous attitudes, choices and behaviors every day. That’s a full time job for everybody.

The LIGMO Philosophy is about the daily application of self-awareness, self-responsibility, self-respect, self-appreciation, emotional self management and self-actualization to your highest potential.

Food for thought: As a college student, student leader and future business person, “Are you being ridiculous or kicking butt and making the grade at being YOUR best self?” Hmmm.

Live, Learn, Laugh, Love and LIGMO!

Millicent St. Claire