Near the Room Where it Happens

My initial thoughts when reading this prompt was to be someone with power who could influence whole systems. Then I considered the fact that I would run the risk of being as bad as those in power. Next I thought of being a singer or an actor but that was too much like wish fulfilment. Then the answer hit me. Whether I chose politics or popular culture I would be most interested in finding out how things work.

For that reason I would choose to be an adviser or a member of a think tank in politics, a roadie in the music business or an assistant director on a set. In all three cases you would be on the periphery of the action with a ringside seat to how things are done. I may have some minor input but that input would be within my area of knowledge and it would be useful. For that day I would be making notes, either handwritten or mental and when I returned to myself I would then reflect upon the experience to enable me to either get involved in the field as myself or simply to write about it with more knowledge.

A couple of thoughts though. First of all, would this be a Freaky Friday type of swap? If so, what might be the effect of that other person stepping into my life? Second, what would the self imposed rules be in terms of what I could do? When stepping into a new experience or a new job, you keep a watching brief for a little while, but it’s possible that I could end up making an impact in a way I wouldn’t anticipate. Maybe an off the cuff and seemingly minor comment could end up setting things into a different direction. It might be fun to see how it works out, but I am happy on balance to leave it to the realms of fantasy!