The Tim Robinson/Kyle Mooney/Princess Margaret Dilemma

Why it’s okay not being the Queen, Pete Davidson, or the main character in life’s main story

I’ve talked all about the big dreams we all have. I’ve pictured myself as the main character but watching Peter Morgan’s excellent but fictional depiction of the Crown with my mother yesterday made me think otherwise.

I want to talk today about some of the people I most relate to in public life. At first glance, they may not have been in the leading role in their story, but that's okay.

Over the years, I've fallen in love with comedians like Kyle Mooney, Tim Robinson, Connor O’Malley, and other people with much more niche humor than say other more prominent artists in their field.

I've often fumed at why Kyle didn't have a bigger role on SNL, rewatched Mike O’Brien clips on youtube and wondered why more people didn't watch or talk about Nathan for you. These are geniuses. They are smart and funny!

There are clips of say Jonah from Superstore entitled “Jonah Sims being annoying for two minutes straight” where I feel he's the most relatable character. Side note: I hate how realistic they made that actor’s character in Mad Men.

Like I've mentioned before, I've imagined myself as a Pete Davidson or Cecily Strong or Aidy Bryant. Fun fact: two of the three people I mentioned already in this list either dated or ended marrying two of the three I just mentioned. I’ll let you figure that out. Unfortunately, I’m not sure that being the main character is in the cards for me, and that’s just okay.

It brings me back to Princess Margaret. She was denied the love of her life due to the fact that he was divorced but also maybe it was a little too similar to her uncle who abdicated. She lived a turbulent life by all accounts and struggled off and on with mental health problems. She died relatively early in life even before her mother. And in her life, she was never quite seen as good as her sister, had the dry writ of her brother in law, or the adoration of her late relative, Princess Di.

However, history has a way of getting the things the right thing in a way. Mozart died a pauper. Van Gogh died without knowing the impact. Yet today, their work is adored. While that may not be satisfying answer (it is one I struggle with right now), if you treat people right, they will remember that. I'm reminded of my brother-in-law Marcus, a HEB partner. He's brought some of his workers to our family Thanksgiving celebrations, he’s been called out by people on Facebook about going above and beyond, and my Abuelita won’t stop telling the story of how he saved her by driving her to my parents house during the Texas snowstorm of 2021s My dad loves going to a local sandwich shop and the cashier learned Marcus was related to my dad. Marcus made quite the impression on her so now every time my dad sees this cashier, he knows the name on order will be Marcus. You wouldn't know it from his demeanor. He puts his family first over his own needs. I feel the same way about my other brother in law, Garrett too. I say this because I know they might just think they are doing their roles but it's something I notice on a daily basis.

The moral of this story: it's okay to not be the main character. Plus, I think if im being honest, being on the periphery might be more fun. In the words of Creed from the Office: “I've been involved in a number of cults, both as a leader and a follower. You have more fun as a follower. But you make more money as a leader.” So I urge you to embrace being different, not expected, and playing a different role. You might find your life may be more meaningful. At least that's what I tell myself. I could be wrong. Could you not hold me to anything I say?

To my friend from Dallas/Denton, who went back to school at 28 and has made a difference not only in his community but in me. Thank you.

To my friend who played soccer at rice: thank you for teaching me about the enneagram 4 (of which we both are) even if you were late to a dinner of ours because you were too busy watching that great Osaka-Serena match at the US Open in 2018. Thank you for always being there for me.

To my friend from NY/LA who was actually at the match. I'm jealous of those seats. Thank you for being there for me in September of 2021. I hope your family is doing well and thriving in their second year in Highland Park

To my friend from Denton/Atascosita, who was in the state choir and was so lovely to me in 2017! I still have that OTM in my possession, and when I'm feeling down, I like to look at it. I hope you, your husband, and your family is doing well.

To my friend from Keller: thank you for being there for me.

To my friend from Willis, who was on the Trinity golf team with a said friend from Keller: thank you for making me laugh with your tweets. Yes, you used to be funny on Twitter, but you still are!

To my parents: thank you for being there for me.

To Wally: thanks for being you. Even if you are a bit twerp sometimes, I still love you.

Some links that I think are related to what I talked about today and some links that aren't: