My mum had a friend as we were growing up, her name was Debbie. She was almost the complete opposite to my mum, an extrovert, tall & voluptuous, a performer – a brilliant singer, with a quirky fashion sense. She too had four kids, and we loved hanging out together. Debbie split with her husband and moved into a haunted house in the middle of town with a gay friend. She was never dull, always colourful. Some days we’d watch her perform at festivals, and some days I just listened to her and my mother talk.
I must have been about 8, I guess, and I heard them talking about Oprah. It was the first time I’d heard of her, and the conversation they had about her was deep and intriguing, even for an 8 year old. They were talking about homosexuals, and how being gay wasn’t a choice, it was how one was born. It was riveting, cutting edge conversation for a child of my age.
And then I saw more of Oprah, this other voluptuous woman on TV who had been sexually abused as a child. I liked her. I loved her honesty, and her will to share truths, and to open others minds.
I didn’t make it to see her in Australia, much to my dismay, and I don’t have a diamond necklace or a car courtesy of her generosity, but I have other things, life lessons. Through her wisdoms and those of her guests I’ve learnt that I’m good enough just as I am, that the truth will set you free and that there’s joy in following my passion.
There’s more of course, but these are those I cherish the most. Although I didn’t get to see much of her show in the past few years, I do read her magazine religiously… so I’ll always have that.
Are you a fan of Oprah? Have you taken anything away from her and her show over the years?
I love Oprah and I think the world would be a much nicer place if everyone took on just a couple of her life lessons.
The lessons that stay with me from her final show is to be responsible for my energy (it really doesn't matter what words I use if my energy is bad) and that everyone is valid, worthy and just wants to be heard.
I'll really miss her show but I hope her wisdom comes through in the shows she will produce on her network.
Have a great day.
Traci x
Your 3 things are the same as mine Chantelle.
I never realised how much of an influence she had been on me, until I heard she was ending the show.
Such an inspiring woman, even with some of her over the top 'American' ways, you just can't help but be in awe of her impact around the globe.
She has empowered generations of women, the number of lives she has touched is staggering. What a great legacy to leave, women, and people in general, who have a louder voice, have a stronger self belief, are happier with themselves, and are willing to chase their calling.
I was introduced to Kiva through an Oprah show, and have had a small influence (through Kiva loans) on the lives of 80 women so far.
She has inspired me to not think it silly to one day want to start my own charity.
If I can have 1 millionth the impact on the world that she has had, I will leave a very very satisfied and proud person.
Oh my god I love her! Love!
Massive Oprah fan here Chantelle. I barely watched her daily shows, but saw almost all of the specials and was always a big supporter of her beliefs and causes.
I recorded all 3 finale shows and just started watching the first one this morning. Within 5 mins I was crying. She has that effect on me. Maybe the hype surrounding her does that or maybe it's just her honesty and generosity, she's a beautiful person.
As is the case with most shows these days, I have only seen 20 mins of that first show. But it's a nice treat to watch a few segments each time I give the baby his bottle ;o)
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… that everyone wants the same thing… to be validated, to be listened to, to be heard. Love her. She has made a difference. A-M xx
I have always thought I should get into her magazine but never have, I think you just gave me the nudge I needed. So many lessons learnt from Oprah, how much did you LOVE her last episode, oh my so powerful. Her love letter to us, bless.
Big, big Oprah fan here …
In her last show she said “you are worthy, because you were born, and you are here” Love it. I think it will be my motto for the rest of my life.
I totally agree with Miss Mandy. That quote was one I haven't heard before “you are worthy because you were born, and you are here.”
It really hit me. To love oneself and to feel worthy is the hardest to do. The world would be a better place if we all felt that way.
I used to watch her almost religiously some years ago and it was her message of personal empowerment that I recall meaning the most to me.
I haven't watched many episodes for some time but the last and most personally significant was shortly after I became a mother. It was called “The Truth about Motherhood” (http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Motherhood-Secrets ) and it was a godsend. I was struggling with my feelings and experiences as a first time mother and learnt from all the experienced mothers on the show that I was ok, what I felt was normal and that meant a huge deal to me. I believe now that I was bordering on depression and that episode made a huge impact in turning my perspective upwards. Even today I point other new mothers to that episode if I think it will help them.
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