The Oprah Cult

26 May

It’s the end of an era.  After 25 years, boyfriends and husbands everywhere will no longer have to hear the words “I saw this thing on Oprah today…”

I’ll admit, I’m part of the Oprah cult.   Not the crying until your head blows off hysteria shown by some Oprah guests (see SNL skit) but the altruistic, do something that makes your heart sing and does the world good philosophy.

On her final show, Oprah said this:

“What I knew for sure from this experience with you is that we are all called. Everybody has a calling, and your real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it.” -Oprah

I believe  in what Oprah is saying.   So much so, I’ve struggled with depression, self-loathing, and thoughts of suicide in my 30 odd years all because I thought was I was doing was bullshit, an example of doing what’s easiest, not what’s best.  I knew in my bones that life could be about something much better.

But checking out of life and feelings of self-loathing don’t help anyone, least of all yourself.

I’ve turned many pages since and know I’ve found my calling.  My feelings have switched to self confidence and happiness with a sprinkling of self-doubt and fear.  There are still darks days but the difference now is I work to keep my courage up to plug ahead.  Because it’s not the destination that matters but the journey you take to be and do better.

Thank you, Oprah.

3 Responses to “The Oprah Cult”

  1. Veronica Forsman May 26, 2011 at 4:51 pm #

    Beautifully said. Thank you for being so raw and authentic. It is in sharing these truths, I believe, that we all hide a little less, and come together a little more.
    Thank you.
    Getting on with the journey, and happy to have you share it with me.
    “V”

    • Kim McNeil Yoga May 26, 2011 at 4:55 pm #

      They talk about this in Broken Open, V. What did they call it, our dirty little secret? That we all have stuff to share, our demons, but hold it in to maintain the squeaky clean façade. Glad to have met you too…sincerely. ~ K

  2. YogiCrystal May 26, 2011 at 5:19 pm #

    I used to watch Oprah a lot, but really grew away from it… but I can admit she has had some emotionally charged shows. Thank you for this honest post Kim… it gives me hope that there might be a light at the end of the tunnel for me as well, and that someday I can live more authentically myself. 🙂

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