Heading back home today...can't wait to see Jim and my cats and be back in my cozy apartment. I'm feeling so overwhelmed and anxious. All of the media for my book has been exciting for me, but entirely out of my comfort zone. I don't know how Oprah does it on a daily basis...although, of course, being in the media is Oprah's comfort zone. Still, it's tough to be under a microscope. Magnifying glass? You choose the most appropriate metaphor to insert.
I have to say that it's tough to have my motives questioned. And yes, this is ironic, as I've studied Oprah in this way for over a year. I am reminding myself constantly to take time to breathe and pull my head out of the sand. I can't hide in fear over reactions to my book or my opinions and I know I'll never make everyone happy. I actually think it's fascinating that some folks are fired up because I have admitted a deep respect for Winfrey and others think I'm a jerk for thinking Oprah is a fallible human being. Oprah is incredibly polarizing. I haven't met a single person yet who is entirely neutral about her. Fascinating!
One of my best girlfriends told me that I should be happy that my book has inspired so much discussion. She's right...I just need to build a bridge from that logic to my heart. Today I look forward to the possibilities of learning about what you think of the book and my conclusions - good, bad, or ugly. I will not shy away from criticism. Even though I really, really want to. A lot.
For those of you who have wondered when the Joy Behar piece will air, I'm not entirely certain yet. I will let you know as soon as I hear. She's a funny woman. My goodness. Very quick. I think I was sitting on the edge of my seat through that whole interview, ready for any fastball she might throw. It was exhilarating!
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13 comments:
I don't think you should have to defend your most interesting book, or your respect for Oprah. These are your opinions, let other people have their opinions.
It does sound like going to a parent/teacher conference and finding out that you don't have that most perfect child that you thought you had.
What I liked best about your blog and book was how open you were to trying a new life style and how you were able to stick with "the best life" and other advice. It was fascinating how you just kept going and adding more and more tasks. I have never been able to stick with anything, not even '29 Gifts'.
Thank you for 'Living Oprah'!
Hi I haven't bought your book and I have only come over here in the last few days since finding your blog on the Happiness Project. I really like the way your share your honest struggle with criticism. Its not easy for anybody.
Last night I was reading Emilie Richard's novel Touching Stars and of one of the characters says, "Gayle learned that taking negative comments personally led to burnout quicker than twelve-hour days and interrupted sleep. She practised tolerance- and kept a former list of guests who were invariably told the inn was full if they tried to reserve another room".
It was so neat to see your book in the local bookstore in my home town! It was great fun to read.
Lorne and I are sending you lots of good wishes and congratulations, but we want you back at Bloom ASAP!
While I don't know if I am entirely neutral, I must admit that I am pretty darn neutral on Oprah. :::shrugs:::
Dearest Robin,
I have read your blog for the last year, and have laughed my ass off at it. I am anticipating the arrival of your book from Amazon.
The reason I am writing is that I am so sorry that your new fame has caused you any pain. I think that you have been honest, and that honesty may have cost you something. I don't pretend to be as wise as Oprah, (or YOU, for that matter), but "one thing I know for sure" is that you wrote the truth, for better of for worse. Your blog was so fascinating I couldn't get enough of it. You had the courage to take on the "Queen of Talk". And i know that you have nothing against Oprah, you just called it as you saw it. ANYway, I know that right now you are exhausted. I just want to say "THANK YOU" for all of the fun, insight, and reasons to just skip an episode! Please spend a week or so just reveling in the wonderfulness of yourself! Sleep late! Eat chocolate! Buy something fun! You totally deserve it.
You are WONDERFUL.
Sincerely,
Laurie Breault
lajayne2000@yahoo.com
Welcome back! I hope you can get some rest this weekend and enjoy your time with Jim + cats. :)
I can't imagine what it must have felt like to be on those shows/do those interviews. I'm sure you did great, but it wasn't easy.
hugs!
Ditto Laurie above! Love her!
LO, I get nervous leaving blog comments so I completely understand your skittishness. For something that started as a lark (well, more than that but you know what I mean--I never once had the sense you were trying to "cash in on Oprah" or mock her fans or anything like that) it's amazing how far a good idea can go!
And I love love love hanging with smart women. Glad you had fun with Joy and do keep us posted. Can't wait to get the book and hear more of your tour! Please email if you are heading to Philly...we have an awesome bloggroup (how I found you, btw) who would love to meet you!
You are a lesbian like Oprah
Stay classy, Mr. Anonymous poster... stay classy.
That is a compliment.
"You are a lesbian like Oprah"
"That is a compliment."
Mr Anonymous poster, you gutlessly (and anonymously) spew an insult, and then try to pass it off as an compliment?
No one here is as dumb as that, and frankly, you seem to be in need of professional help. And you also need to look up the definition of misogynist, because that is—by all appearances—you.
In the early 90's I visited some friends and their baby girl. I had known one of the women for many years and was just getting to know her partner. Eventually our conversation landed on Oprah. I mentioned a show on welfare mothers in which Oprah seemed to be adopting a blame-the-victim stance. I expressed my discomfort with her attitude, noting that I was a frequent viewer and that I truly enjoyed and respected her work. The mom whom I did not know as well actually rose from her seat and proclaimed that Oprah was a sacred subject in their household and that she would not tolerate ANY dissent inside those four walls. If I continued, she said, I would be asked to leave. I thought she was joking and I laughed. My closer friend gave me a look and I dropped the subject. I still see these women occasionally (we live 50 miles apart now), but I never bring up Oprah's name. She is a leader as you said on the Bonnie Hunt show, and inspires fierce loyalty amongst her fans.
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