Being 43 years old makes me the quintessential Oprah follower. I remember when she came to Chicago to do A.M. Chicago because my Mom was a big Phil Donahue fan and this was kind of his thang. High school, college, in my 20's, when my babies were born and as they grew, Oprah gave me, in the least, 1 hour of "checking out" and at it's best, 1 hour of "plugging in". As the years went on and she really became OPRAH, her show became more of a vitamin rather than a distraction. We all really need both but it's the nutritional nugget of her message that called me back for more each day. Until this morning, when I finally watched the 3 finale shows, I reserved an hour of my day for that exponentially important vitamin. So why am I sad the show is over? It's covered a lot of my life. It's really been a teacher to me about so much....when alone, you know you aren't. When afraid, you know there are others who fear too. When down, you know others have it worse. When content, push the envelope. When your gut speaks, listen. When helpless, reach out. Write, think, listen. Forgive. Seek the truth. Be real. Be honest. Be the best YOU. Mostly, be thankful. And I am.
It's an interesting time for the show to end. My baby is graduating from preschool and off to real school and my oldest is off to middle school. I need her more than ever but alas, I must carry on apparently without the Oprah Winfrey Show. I personally think it's too much to ask but I see it kind of like I am leaving the nest or like Mama Bird kicked my ass out of the nest....either one really. Let's see if I can do this thing on my own. Let's see if what I have learned has been for naught. Let's see if I can listen to my gut, know that I'm worthy and be my best. Let's see if I can remember that steel cut oatmeal is the best breakfast food.
Ode to O. Thanks for teaching all of us gals how to be TOTAL women. Now one last thing, how in the hell am I supposed to know what to read from now on?
