Message Received

I’ve always wanted to see Oprah Winfrey in person, I’ve admired her quest, her honesty and her ability to connect with people. She has been one of my favorite self help gurus – sharing information and inspiration collected from a variety of sources, adding her own experiences and putting a personal spin on the message – in her words “spreading the light”.  She makes a difference in the world and I admire her for that.  But I’m not infatuated anymore. 

My ticket to see Oprah was a Mother’s Day gift from my daughters. I was thrilled.  The three of us planned a mom and daughter date that would include a little shopping, a little wine, dinner and the main event – Oprah Winfrey presents #PathMadeClear.  I was poised for the promise of magic, ready to be enlightened, anxious to be inspired – in short, I was pumped.  The problem with high expectations is the fall to reality can really sting. 

Oprah has an amazing story, her rise to fame and fortune is well documented. She does good work around the world.  She makes no bones about how rich and famous she is or how enlightened she has become.  She is unapologetically full of herself and her story, and I rather enjoy that sort of honesty.  But I was expecting more from her traveling show.  

I wasn’t disappointed in her presentation as much as I was surprised.  As it turns out (for me) Oprah was like a beautiful coat that I might have coveted and dreamt about for years but once I had the opportunity to try on discovered not only did it not fit, it was actually unflattering. Oprah’s message didn’t resonate for me, the ego she boasts she has under control totally dominated the evening.  The more she spoke the clearer it became to me that the inspiration I’d been seeking was sitting beside me, we had walked in the door together.  My path is made clear by the people walking it with me. 

Considering the hum of the crowd as we made our way out of the arena I felt I might have missed something, that perhaps the message went over my head, or maybe I was like that kid who noticed the emperor wore no clothes.  Whichever doesn’t really matter – I’m glad I got to see Oprah in person, she is the ultimate success story. I can still admire her accomplishments but I need not look to her for direction on the path that is mine to take. If that was the message she was trying to impart she nailed it. Message received.