Where have I been? I had no idea of the depth of Oprah's impact on people's lives. My inner world has changed noticeably in the last two weeks since making my living room into a life class with Oprah from 11 pm - 1 am Mon-Fri.
Given that Oprah's daytime show for 25 years was on at 4 pm daily, I rarely had the luxury to watch the show. Either my work as a publicist had me watching her a few times for clients or I would grab snippets here and there on YouTube or late night repeats, but never a consistent diet of Oprah. I admit, I am an Oprah believer and student now.
This blog entry is far from my branding topic and more about what makes my heart sing in a bigger way.
How my life could have been different had I embraced her long before this, I don't know.
But, I do know I am seriously grateful for becoming an Oprah Life Class student 5 nights a week. Her Life Class is now part of my personal development/spiritual practice.
I had no idea to the depth of her influence in people's lives until this past few weeks. I was brought to tears last night more than once in watching just how much joy she gives to others. I was in awe as I watched Oprah last night demonstrate her true meaning of JOY RISING when she took an entire audience (several 100) to the magical country of Australia last year and how they paid it forward to many in their lives once back home due to her gracious gift.
These several hundred people had major life changing experiences as a result of their Australian experience with Oprah. During the Life Class show she recorded interviews of several people today who attended that trip and how the experience changed their lives. Remarkable. Talk about paying it forward! Many stepped into non-profit work, gave back to their communities, and forged new relationships that never would have occurred had they not been graced by Oprah's generosity. Now that's a movement like I have never seen before.
Another "Joy Rising" example she shared from a past show concerned two men in her an "after the show" segment. They were huge Mariah Carey fans and stood up asking to see her. Oprah granted that wish and brought them to her concert. That day while at the concert, they were asked to be in Mariah's video. So not only did they get their wish but it was even better than they could dream of! Oprah observing their "joy rising" is what she lives for.
Then the next part of their story is incredible.
These two men changed their lives dramatically as a result of being on her show back then. When they watched themselves once the original show aired, one realized he was heavier than he realized and lost 60 lbs months by disciplining himself to run marathons. The other man noticed a strange lump on his neck while watching himself on TV. He went to the doctor and found an advanced cancer in his neck! He's cancer free today. Had these men not asked for what they wanted and Oprah had not honored their wish, their lives would have had a very different look and feel today. Pay it forward.
The life changing stories just go on and on with this woman. I have since jumped into her online Life Class on her site and even entered her contest to be a chosen audience member (Hey, that's where it all happens!) for the airing of one of her Life Class shows. She moved her production company out to L.A. (yeah!) and films the show out here. I am putting it out to the Universe to be chosen!
All of this has led to some very inspirational ideas that will soon be revealed. Let's just say it follows the same theme of "Joy Rising." My inspired idea was born out of giving that which you want. I have always wanted a loving family that was very involved in my life, a true sense of belonging and worldwide travel. So, the theme brewing centers on families, a sense of belonging, travel, joy, and giving back to families who otherwise would not have the ability to vacation together or travel. More to come. Stay tuned!
For now, I ask you to inspire JOY for others in some way, some how. Then find the JOY in your own heart and soul and nourish it.
Blessings,
Marla
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