I know, I know. It's 'just' a TV show. But, it's really not. It's so much more.
Describing Oprah and her show is almost impossible to me. I have thought and thought of how to put into words what an amazing human being she is. And what she has done for the world. For women. For minorities. For the gay community. For victims of molestation, rape and abuse. For all of those who just want to be heard. And to feel validated.
She is more than just a talk show host. She is an inspiration. A visionary. A woman that millions of women, girls (and everyone else!) can look to as a hero, as a role model.
I can't claim to have seen every episode. Not even close. I didn't start watching Oprah regularly until I was in my 20s. My mom didn't watch her, so I found her on my own. (haha, 'OWN' is her new network :) The first episode I ever watched was an episode of her Favorite Things that she had designed just for teachers in the fall of 2004. I was hooked after that.
As a teacher, woman, and especially now as a mother, her show has come to mean so much to me. I could count on it every night on the DVR to inspire me, to entertain me, to challenge me. So many episodes it seemed as though she was speaking right to me.
Oprah has kept me grateful. She's kept me thankful for the ridiculous amount of blessings I have. She's inspired me to strive to live my Best Life and be my best self. She's taught me the power of positive thinking, of being aware of the energy we put out into the world. She's taught me how to step back and take a moment, whether to enjoy the simple pleasures or to gather myself back up and focus. She has helped me to be a better mother, better wife, a better human being.
On Wednesday, Facebook had different reactions to the ending of the show. Most of my friends (the girls at least) who commented were sad, disappointed, devastated. Many chose to say nothing at all. Many didn't know or didn't care. But, a few people said things such as, "What is the big deal about Oprah anyway?" Really? REALLY???? It's clear to me that you've a) never watched the show and b) never looked into what Oprah has done with her own life and the lives of countless others. Come on now. SHAME ON YOU
Oprah, I'll miss your show at 4 every day. I still think there's a lot you can teach me. If you would just air repeats of your show at 4:00 every weekday, I think I could catch up on what I missed out on.
Thank you for inspiring me to be my Best Self. I'll keep trying.
3 comments:
Great post! I get it. Completely.
As I know you would Ashley. :) Miss you!!
Kelly I was shocked at how some people reacted and say that she was so full of herself and what was the big deal about her. It just surprises me how people would want to tear down this incredible role model for women, minorities, and humanity. I just don't get it. Here is a self made billionaire who has encouraged us all to give as much as we can while herself giving and giving and we still feel the need to tear her down. We have lost a major visible role model and what or who do we have left?
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