Today I received my new year’s bulk O-mail when I turned on my computer. I gave a little giggle when I saw this quote in bold letters at the top of one missive:
“Often we don't listen to who we're meant to be because we're so busy trying to live out someone else's ideas. But other people and their opinions hold no power in defining our destiny.” — Oprah
YES! I’m so glad that she’s saying this, but will people listen? Or will it bolster their desire to return to the reluctant guru for advice? After studying Oprah for a whole year, I believe from the bottom of my heart that it is her goal to empower girls and women. The irony is that even though mama bird frequently pushes her babies from the nest, somehow the umbilical cord isn’t always severed and we fly right back to be fed.
I don’t think this is Oprah’s fault. The lack of self-esteem, self-worth, and self-direction that makes self-help a BOOMING industry is not an epidemic of her making. So yes, she is part of the system, but so are we all who can’t trust our own wings.
It might take more than a bold font at the top of an email to drive her point home, but my fingers are crossed that during her last 18 or so months on television, Oprah will work with us all to start a revolution and forever change the way lifestyle advice is doled out by the entertainment industry.
I, for one, am committed to making some major changes in my life and I’m in the midst of creating my own Declaration of Independence. I’ll post it on this blog once I’m back in Chicago. But for today, I’m going to sit back and enjoy the Rose Bowl Parade with my family.
Happy 2010!
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5 comments:
Okay is it bad of me to giggle a bit at this post? The fact that she sends this message a year after you finished your project is funny.
Happy Nw Year My friend!
Paula in Houston.
Great post.
I come to think about the phrase: If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him!
If you meet Oprah on the road, kill her!
Johan in Sweden.
Bought your book today after reading a few random things. My plan for this year is "to find myself" whatever that means.
I very seldom have watched Oprah, read her magazine occasionally but not regularly, and went to her website for the first time, tonight.
I did buy O this week before seeing your book, so I am going to start reading it and seeing what you have to say.
Looking forward to viewing your site as well.
my email is emilyd1037@bresnan.net
Live by your own ideas...unless they counter Oprah's ideas. And then you should capitulate.
Good laugh on this cold morning.
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