I’m a big fan of the amazing beautiful and talented actress Charlize Theron. I am so proud that a fellow South African has wowed Hollywood and even won an Oscar. She won her Oscar for Monster – brilliant performance, so real and quite disturbing. I also really enjoyed her in The Italian Job! She’s been in so many movies and you can find out more here http://www.charlizetheron.com/
Piers Morgan interviewed Charlize recently and she spoke about her childhood and marriage. You can see some of the interview here. I’m really enjoying the Piers interviews – he seems to ask really interesting questions and his guests appear to have a lot of fun! “Brilliant performance!” – doesn’t that just sound like Piers and don’t you love his British accent!?
For me, it’s quite strange hearing her talk with an American accent – she said she had to change it in order to be successful in Hollywood. And she says he doesn’t like the sound of her voice! She did speak a few sentences of Afrikaans right at the beginning of the interview – Afrikaans is her first language and my second language, so I could understand her of course. I look forward to her one day playing a South African and talking like a South African – I think she’ll do an excellent job!
During her interview with Piers she also jokingly shared that she has OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and can’t handle messy closets. If OCD really is an issue that causes distress and affects day-to-day functioning, it’s worth trying many of the same nutrients that help with anxiety issues: GABA, tryptophan or 5-HTP. They often help with OCD too. However, one particular nutrient called inositol is particularly helpful with obsessive behaviors and ruminating thoughts. Of course, these nutrients and others, are covered in my book The Antianxiety Food Solution. I think I should send a copy to Charlize!
Charlize also talked about her foundation (created in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation) where she gives back to South Africa. It called the Africa Outreach Project which is committed to reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexual violence among African youth by supporting and collaborating with organizations that provide preventive education. I loved it when Charlize emphasized education and the goal of teaching the youth that violence is not ok, and prevention of HIV/AIDS – very smart! Much of the work is done in KwaZulu Natal, close to where I grew up. This makes me pretty homesick but also proud of what she is achieving on so many levels! You can learn more and make a donation here http://www.charlizeafricaoutreach.org/
My message to Charlize: “Baie dankie [thanks very much in Afrikaans]. You go girl! And check out some of these amazing nutrients for OCD and anxiety – you SO deserve to feel on top of the world in every way!”
Trudy,
Thanks for sharing this. I wasn’t familiar with Charlize Theron and it’s nice to know some background. It’s also nice for celebrities to share their personal information because it demonstrates that we’re all human and lets you share tips to improve health.
Write on!~
Lisa
Lisa – so true about us all being human … Trudy
I didn’t know much about this actress, either, except that I respect her for her talent. I really DO think you should send her a copy of your book, Trudy!
Sue
Thanks Sue – I’m working on it and have approached her foundation to get a book to her and to her foundation
Trudy
She could sure benefit from your help — as successful as she is, she could probably enjoy it more if she could take the edge off her OCD. Meanwhile, I have a closet for her to straighten for me! 😉 XO, Katherine
Thanks Katherine – I’ll send her your way (too funny!)
Trudy
Trudy,
Interesting reading. Is OCD a more commonly and openly discussed issue? I hear so much more about it than a few years ago.
Mitch
Mitch
Anxiety and OCD are increasing so there is more awareness
Trudy
Fascinating, Trudy! I think I have some OCD tendencies (thank goodness for California Closets for making mine uber-organized!) and appreciate your suggestions for taking the edge off.
Charlize is a fantastic actor and human being. Appreciate you sharing your insight here.
Trudy – Charlize is indeed very talented and I too have been enjoying the Piers interviews as I catch them here and there! Thanks for sharing more about her foundation – I didn’t know about that – and for the tips with using nutrients to calm.
Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative
You’re very welcome Jennifer
How are people using inositol? On an on-going basis or as needed?
Lisa
With OCD I start my clients with tryptophan and add inositol if that isn’t enough, initially on-going and then we stop. I also always look at gluten issues with OCD as well as past strep/PANDAs