Call me a traitor to my gender, but I didn’t grow up
watching Oprah. I didn’t have parties with other ladies that involved a
television and tissues. I didn’t fill my library according to her book club
recommendations.
And I didn’t live my life around the question, “What would
Oprah do?”
Considering my penchant for drama back then, I was more
likely to curl up to Jerry Springer than a show
without paternity tests and
chair throwing.
But recently Oprah called to me. Literally.
I’d like to share some of the most profound insights I gleaned from Oprah’s community of “students” in their answers to one of her pre-show questions. (Submitted to her anonymously, unless otherwise indicated):
1. I know now that I must validate myself before I want others to validate me. I need to stop putting myself at the bottom of the pile. ~Cocomo614
2. I know that my time is just as valuable as anyone else’s and I know I don’t have to apologize for putting me back on my to-do list.
3. When I take care of myself, I am confirming my worth to myself. If I give to myself first (time, rest, love), I have more to give to others.
4. Not to be so hard on myself…been through a lot in life but I still deserve to be happy in this life.
5. I know that it’s okay to have my own opinions and tell the truth.
6. It’s easy to give up on yourself. The hard part is staying focused on being a better you.
7. I know I am a product of what I believe to be true. I know I hold the power… all the power to change when I want to. I have to commit!
8. I have value and merit, that I am intelligent and worthy of love and respect.
9. I don’t have to let my past define who I am today.
10. I have finally realized I am all those good things about myself that others have seen all along.
