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Lessons from Liz Taylor

Posted March 23, 2011
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Posted Wednesday, March 9, 2011 by Jackie Morgan MacDougall

"When people say, 'She's got everything', I've got one answer - I haven't had tomorrow."

-- Elizabeth Taylor

Upon reading of Elizabeth Taylor's passing this morning, I was struck by this quote. I had no idea that Liz, with her incredible abundance of fame and fortune, held such a unique and refreshing ability to not only see how the world viewed her, but was able to distinguish what it truly meant to have everything.

Now if only the rest of world could follow suit.

Seriously, how warped is the perception that Liz Taylor - at any age -- had 'everything'? 'Money can't buy happiness' is a cliché because it's true and has been proven time and time again. Yet we, as a society, continue to push this ridiculous idea that 'having it all' is somehow connected to financial and professional success.  Come on, people, even Dame Liz, worth hundreds of millions (if not more) knew that was a crock.

Imagine, for a minute, that Liz's life actually belonged to another woman. Take away just two things - the fame and the fortune - and see what you've got.

• Nine marriages (to eight total husbands)

• Spousal abuse

• A broken back... FIVE times

• Health issues, including heart disease and cancer

• Two hip replacements

• A media circus whenever she gained weight, changed her relationship status or had a brain fart (remember the Oscars?)

• Did I mention NINE marriages?

Does that sound like something you'd be interested in?

I didn't know Elizabeth Taylor. She may have been the happiest woman on the planet with a simple gift of picking the wrong men - over and over again. I'm not here to dissect her life and it's not up to me to say she did or didn't 'have it all.' But I think we can use her life as an opportunity to change what we hold in high regard when it comes to achieving life success and happiness.

What actually does make us happy? Some experts and non-experts agree, a combination of health, relationships, financial security and making a difference in the lives of others, qualities Elizabeth Taylor was said to embrace. While her work as an actress has garnered her admiration and respect, she will forever be remembered as a loving friend with unwavering devotion to fighting for equal rights and raising money and awareness for HIV/AIDS - a legacy she was most proud of.

Which proves once again that it's not what you have, but what you give.


Jackie Morgan MacDougall is a TV-executive turned parenting blogger who lives a crazy life with her husband and three small kids. Her dreams of climbing the corporate ladder have been replaced by the dream of one day having a nap. Read more of her daily musings at TheSilverWhining.com


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