Living the Lessons

Everyone Wants a Bite of Oprah

As I stood in line this past April to meet Oprah for the very first time in New York City with a room full of 400 other people carefully organized and snaked around a little space at Radio City Music Hall, something hit me…everyone wants a piece of Oprah.  Five lines were coordinated carefully around the room as people were ushered in for their 60 second photo-op with the famous and inspiring Ms. Winfrey.  Each time, she stopped and graciously smiled, looking just a little tired as she neared the 14 hour mark of her 22 hour day but full of grace and generosity.  Each time, the hundreds before me made their way to their place next to her, standing straight and putting on their best smile. Taking in this once in a lifetime moment. Hoping to touch her….shake her hand and take a little piece of her with them.  Our line came last. The final line of 7 or 8 sets of invitees who made the personal short list from Oprah’s own little team.  An honor even bigger than I realized at the time…and the final placement that makes more sense now that I realized.  She saved the best for last. 

At the very beginning of this journey, we  may have wanted that “little piece” too.  That natural response to want to feel valued, appreciated and noticed. But over the last 18 months, we have met hundreds around the world who have had their lives changed by Oprah and all of her wisdom and who love her and who also just want a little extra something.  A chance to meet her or for her to read their book…see their program…give them a job…give them money…change their lives…fix their lives.  All of these big wants on the list of this one, lone woman.  Everyone knowing…Oprah can change their lives with one nod, one tweet, one endorsement.  Everyone wanting something.  It’s only natural, right? Everyone wants a bite. Imagine…everyone all over the world wanting something from you. When do you fill yourself back up?  That’s what I think our last line was for…

As we stood waiting excitedly for our turn for when the woman with the clip board made her way to  our little line and as I walked toward Oprah, with her hands extended and as she said my name, I realized…I don’t want anything from this woman.  This woman who has given so much to the world…who means so much to the world…I want to give something to her.  I just wish I had been able to articulate that in the moment.  How do you tell a woman who must always be a little guarded and who is asked for so much by so many that all you want to do is to give back to her? The truth is…you don’t. Like all of those who came before me, I was too excited for words but as the moment came and went by so quickly, I realized that the only bite I want is to feel worthy…and I’ve discovered over time that really, Oprah doesn’t really even have the power to give that to me. Only I have the power to give that to myself. Through all of the years of Oprahesque lessons and all of the years of listening for that one thing that would change my world, this I know for sure.  You don’t need a bite of Oprah to find your way in the world. You just need to believe in yourself…because you alone are enough.

6 thoughts on “Everyone Wants a Bite of Oprah

  1. I salute for Oprah. And I am very proud of all her charitable works.
    She was a very influential woman in the world. Through the boundaries of Her courage, made her so famous and respected by everyone, including me.
    She was has been equated with the Mother Teresa of Calcutta in this era. And for that too, I’m not tired of writing, followed and contacted her.
    Currently, I continue to fight so she can give me a chance to change my life and my son with her in America. I do not stop fighting for this, because I know that she has a very noble heart.
    Hopefully Ms.Oprah can read, hear, and help me and my son. This is my greatest hope in life, in the rest of my age.
    Amen

  2. Hi Paula,
    I love what you wrote and it really hit home. I like millions of others have always wanted to meet Oprah. This spring I went to Toronto to take part in a new show on the OWN Canada called The Truth Project. I had the good fortune of sharing how much it meant to me to overcome a stroke. There was a secret part of me that hoped a miracle would occur and I would be fortunate to meet Oprah herself. I even crafted a special heart in case I could get it to her somehow. The experience was incredible and I found myself telling my son who was back in Nova Scotia that I was proud to make the trip. That was my miracle and it took a trip to Toronto to realize that no matter what happens in life, it is the simple things that are most important. On the way home I met an amazing couple on the airplane who extended kindness to me, a stranger to them. I gave them the heart I had made for Oprah and realized they were meant to carry it home.
    Thank you for your words!
    Bonnie

  3. You show us all that dreams do come true and to never give up on yourself! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with all of us! Everyone has a story and your story puts a big smile on me! Much love to the both of you!

  4. Wow, I was just thinking about this very situation the other day when everyone seemed to want something from me. And how overwhelmed I felt by people wanting something from me. Not knowing who to say yes to and who to say no to. Then I thought about famous people, about people like Oprah who are constantly being asked for something. And how exhausting it must be for her and them. And then you write your blog proving that universally we are all connected and when we write from a place of authenticity we hit a nerve with someone. Thank you Paula for connecting once again.

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