Comeback. The word has been qualified as an empowering term. An opportunity to begin anew. When Lindsay Lohan was announced as starring in a 2022 Netflix holiday film, Falling for Christmas, most of the headlines immediately called this film her “comeback”. Lohan was one of the Hollywood “It” Girls in the early aughts who partied, dressed, and hung at all the popular clubs. I urge you to listen to Rumors, her greatest contribution to pop culture. Lohan’s return to Hollywood came from living her life and making her career as an adult.
“Comeback” was also used when Cameron Diaz was announced in a Netflix comedy. Diaz is known for popular films such as The Mask, There’s Something About Mary, and The Holiday. One of my favorites of hers is The Other Woman. She was one of the highest-paid actors. However, with age, opportunities for dynamic roles cause most actors, particularly women, to pivot. In the years since Diaz has been onscreen, she became a wife, mother, and entrepreneur.
Here I get to my point: the word “comeback” is an abhorrent word in justifying how you reintroduce yourself. Comeback is a filler word. Rebuild is the word I believe in. In an incessant media culture, word choice vilifies more than it used to matter. Comeback implies a need to make a big return. Rebuild brings reflection, urgency, excitement, and joy.
People, whether in Hollywood or not, can rebuild, especially when societal expectations dictate how one should live their life. Letting go of the noise and embracing what is necessary to prosper is imperative. Doing something new may require money and certainly time. People need to have the space to explore new opportunities and leave what no longer serves them.
Celebration of newness is owning that space. As the great Natasha Bedingfield said, release your inhibitions. You may have stopped running or baking or pursuing a new career or finishing that book. Nothing is bigger than your effort.
What keeps people from pursuing something new? How do you rebuild? Would you call it something else?
