Oprah's Gone...Now What Do I Do?

It's been said more times than not that Oprah Winfrey, for a quarter century, has captured the “Bon-Bon eating, couch-sitting, TV watching, Haus-Frau” audience. Or, at least, this is how the predominantly male commentators and often, female “Real Job” holders would have you believe. Watching Oprah's daily program has long been associated with the stereotypical Homemaker and “Stay-at-home” Mom. And to some degree, that is (or was) true. However, in more recent years, it's clearly obvious that the iconic legend has spread her appeal across the globe, to countless demographics and certainly, has grown to pique the interest of millions and millions more than that of the fore-mentioned limited group of gals.

As a member of the very elite group (my son is now 13 years old) who first-handedly raise their children and have run the home as a full-time job, I can attest to the fact that the Oprah Winfrey show became a staple to my daily task routine. Whether I was doing a load of laundry, paying the bills, making appointments or emptying the dishwasher, I always had the Oprah show on in the background. Sometimes, as a treat, I'd actually make a cooked breakfast and sit down with a cup of coffee and watch the full hour with undivided attention. Ssshhhh! Don't tell anyone; I promise, I didn't sit down that often and I guarantee you, I never cared much for Bon-Bon's and having been a Domestic Engineer for so long hadn't offered much in the human contact department. There is only a limited amount of topics one can discuss with one's dog!

I did always listen, intently, to my “Bridge to the outside world” and when I heard something that struck my personal interest in particular, I would pass by the TV and take note for a few moments. I did this to “keep in touch” with current topics, trendy styles, new inventions and medical breakthroughs. I enjoyed stories of courage and accomplishments as well as lessons of betrayal, failure and destruction. I say I enjoyed the latter, as well, because the way in which Oprah chose to present the “bad news” was as uplifting, if not more than the given happy stories. It's so easy for humans to receive the wonderful, the happy and the delicious. The real challenge in life, though, is consuming, digesting and positively manifesting the information we gain from the lessons that we take from others' tragedies and misfortune. I believe that we are all here to participate in one continuous exchange of information, experiences and actions; an exchange that elevates us to a higher level of consciousness each and every time.

We've all seen glitz and glamour in the media. We've all seen tragedies in the local and national/world news. And, to us, it was just television. We were able to turn-it-on into our lives or turn-it-off out of our lives; simply by an on/off switch on the remote. It wasn't OUR personal reality that we were being the “voyeur” in; therefore, it didn't have to get to us, right?

Well, this show, Oprah's show, was so far from the norm. I am certain that there has never been a forum like this, in which these “freedoms” for our minds were able to roam and am equally certain we will be hard-pressed to find another like it. Though, my optimism in humanity keeps me believing, not only in others, but also, in myself. THAT, my friends, is the magic of the message.

At first, we must open our minds and get in touch with the very core at the center of our souls. Then, allow ourselves to learn what it is that fuels our thoughts and mannerisms. Can you recall the times when you've seen a puppy being born or heard of a little boy rescued from a car accident and you're moved to tears by witnessing the event? That is the love and compassion emerging itself from the core of your soul. Have you ever felt an anger or sadness overwhelm you when hearing of a malicious attack on someone simply because of their race, religion or gender? That, too, is the fabric, of which you are made, speaking out through your emotions. Know that, whether you call it God or a Higher Power or simply, “intuition”; we are all programmed (hardwired) with this magic! The choice is ours for what we do with our free will, as we see fit. No one is responsible for provocation of a reaction, but rather, we are our own control panel over our own actions.

Of course, I've had many experiences and many influences that have come and gone in my life. All of those, accumulatively, have played a part in forming my thoughts, emotional base, compassion and wisdom; all of which every human possesses in the very same way. This global program played the catalyst for countless souls and their development of self; if not in part, certainly with grand influence.

Oprah, now known as the Humanitarian, Businesswoman and Philanthropist, has filled our days with entertainment, discussion, thought and surprise. She was also a vehicle that brought us viewers even more experiences from which we draw our morals and viewpoints on. As the years had passed and our social issues became more complex, so did the daily topics. Looking back, I recall, even then, that she chose to “break the barriers” and delve into some of the most controversial and debate-provoking issues that society had to contend with. From racism to political issues to a healthy body image and even, affordable housing; the show was a never-ending source of information and intrigue.

I witnessed, for the past 25 years, a plethora of entertainment ideas, heartfelt stories of pain and endurance and even enjoyed learning of new ways to look younger and feel better. We learned how to be a Pioneer in our own lives from the very Pioneer of “Public Coffee Clubs” herself! Try and recall, if you will, the time in life when we weren't “permitted” to freely discuss the topics that most affected us. Take note of how that “hear no evil, see no evil” mentality is forever gone. It's a marvelous thing to have been a part of (indirectly) one woman's journey toward greatness and to have seen her morph into the icon we all know and love. Our children's children will learn of her in the history books for years to come.

I've spent many an hour, shedding (or choking back) tears, smiling, rooting and laughing; all from the very confines of my living room. When I moved across the country, Oprah moved right along with me! When I moved back home, there she was again!

This may be sounding similar to a tribute to Oprah, of sorts. To some degree, it is. But, my intention in writing this is much more than that. I am filled with inspiration and excitement at the mere thought of achieving my own greatness. Anything IS possible, right? Sadly, in current time, there seems to be too many people who struggle to shine as brightly as this particular star had with 25 wonderful years in the spotlight; present company included. As they say, “Rome wasn't built in a day”. Meeting you own personal goals and achieving your own idea of greatness is, absolutely, a long, hard task that requires patience and forethought; conscience and good will. I'm looking forward to continuing my own journey there.

It seems that, though we all possess the fore-mentioned qualities, multiple reasons and particular circumstances become our obstacles in getting acquainted with and reaching our own superstar status. Notice I said “our”. I include myself into the mix. For one excuse or another, I avoided, suspended and even, denied my own purpose and potential for greatness. I can say that I have tuned in to my own core and am continuing on the open-minded path that I am guided, by spirit, to walk along.

While thrilled to have had the opportunity to become personally intimate with “my four walls”, I found myself paying closer attention to the messages behind Oprah's programs. Those messages were put out there for any one of us to receive; messages that spoke of personal fulfillment, our own journey toward greatness, charity and peace; creativity and love; strength and ingenuity. It's in our own power to grasp onto a positive message and to drink in all that it represents. Nothing short of knowledge and wisdom can come of the experience.

Oprah started from humble beginnings. She had ideas and determination. She had obstacles and ”labels” set upon her. Her iron will kept close focus on the end goal; success! No matter the obstacles, she charged on. Personally, I believe that she, herself, still has no clue that she is somewhat of a Prophet (as she's called some of her most cherished acquaintances and friends). I also believe that someone who consistently exudes the very same graciousness, confidence, humility and appeal that she has for 25 years, despite the evils that can sometime stem from such grand-level fame and fortune, truly is from the Special Order of nature.

Now, my point to all of this (as I said before, this IS somewhat of a tribute) is that we humans are ALL part of that same Special Order! Sometimes it takes a person of spiritual excellence to draw out the same in another. Oprah is a fabulous example of that very ideal. Why do you think her appeal has lasted for so long in a world of Bigger, Better, Faster…Now!? In today's world, we seem to not want to commit to any particular “channel” in life. We're always searching for what's next; forgetting to live in the moment and enjoy the very short time we have on earth!

Oprah is a great example of how the balance between greatness and realness is very precious and that patience, combined with virtue, is paramount to being complete, inside. Or, at least that's my take on it. She proved that anyone can re-invent themselves over and over again; so as to keep the pace and maintain interest in whatever it is that we choose to do with the life we've been given. While staying true to ones' self, being genuine with others and being human; there are no obstacles too great for us to, at least, make the attempt to succeed and gain personal fulfillment. Once again, that's my take on it all.

I suppose that I will feel sad when the last few days of the Oprah show airs. After all, it's been 25 years that she has been involved in or integrated into many of our homes, 5 days a week; including mine. But, to this modern, living American legend, I say Thank You for your dedication, endurance, compassion and wisdom. I thank you for your contributions to society, to humanity and to each and every one of us who took great pleasure in seeing what you had in store for us each day.

In the day and age of the so-called “Reality TV” (I call it “UnReality TV”), you managed to maintain the integrity and quality of what good, solid programming was initially meant to be; an offering to humankind, if you will. In the midst of all the fan-fare, the celebrity send-offs and the celebration and tears, let it be known that this hometown gal from the Northwest Chicago Suburbs thanks you for the gifts you gave that keep on giving. I don't refer to the cars or trips or “Favorite Things”; rather, I thank you for giving of yourself, allowing your viewers to watch you morph into the legend that you've become and for sharing in some of the most unheard of ways. Thank you for the company you gave me each day and for striking the match that lit my interest in finding out just who I am and where I want to go in my life. Now, the rest is up to me and is, currently, a work in progress.