Dreaming of being Oprah Winfrey
Recently, I watched a rerun of the Oprah Winfrey show. It replayed Oprah’s challenge which she made to her viewers back in 2005. To do something everyday that made people feel worthy of themselves and existence. After all, we all do have a purpose in this world. At least that is what I believed.
“What have you done today (to make you feel proud)?� was the motto.
Heather Small’s song, Proud became the theme song.
Oprah said many times that if she was not doing what she does now. She would be a teacher. I am not sure if she realizes this but she is a teacher. Because she teaches many to use their lives affectively in her shows. With 20 years of experience behind her, it should be obvious that she does know of her role as a teacher. I, however, will be the failing student in Miss Winfrey’s class. Most of you who have known me would know by now that I am a Winfrey fan for as long as I can remember. My awe for the woman grew especially when the family installed satellite television for the first time circa 10 years ago. Which means, I get to watch Oprah almost everyday.
I always dreamed of being like Oprah. Not to be as famous as she is but to be so influential that she can raise millions of dollars to help out various charities. Then again being famous and influential has its price to pay. I do know the burden that she has to carry at times. Recently her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girlsâ€â€South Africa got the critics talking. Why spend so much? Why South Africa when the US public school system is in need of support? Oprah manages to take it all in her good stride. Now there is talk about people blackmailing her. Sigh! I doubt I can take the pressure.
I tell myself that I am capable of emulating Oprah’s kindness in my everyday life though not at the same magnitude that she does. I believe a little everyday can make a difference. But then again at times, I wonder who I am kidding. It has been years since I done something that made me really, really proud. Yes, I know that what I currently do for a living is something great because of the lives I affect and the things that I sacrifice so that most of the programs go on well. I mean running a non-profit arts and crafts market is not easy at all. I feel bad when the vendors, most of them homemakers and retirees do not make any sales on market day. I always wish I could do more. Perhaps even get a huge sponsor to come in and save us from our dwindling funds. That is when I wish I was Oprah. Something deep inside of me know the reason why I am not as successful as her is because I lack the focus and drive at the moment. This makes me wonder where did I lose the side of me that was very competitive. The one that was so disciplined and focus. The one that never let anything stand in the way of the things that she wants.
At times I question the fact that if my choices are right, letting my former investment take a backseat. To be honest, my previous venture made me unhappy despite the fact that it makes more money than what I do now. However, the question comes as to whether I want to sell my soul for that high amount. Being there in the so called higher strata of society made me hate being around such people. They claimed themselves to be focus and driven but sadly they are slaves to money without realizing it. I have never been in the company of such shallow people in my whole life. Yes, without doubt that money is important. But doing what these people for it does not do any good. If that is the price to pay for so-called happiness. I do not want it.
I won’t lie to and say that I do not want to be rich. I want to be rich and have integrity. I want to be rich and deserve it. The balance that I see Oprah has attained is the benchmark that I wish to achieve. She is rich no doubt but she works hard for it. Currently, I hang around with a different crowd. These people are who I want to become. They are rich, no doubt, but they are genuine. Better than the fakers that I used to associate with. My current job makes me remember why I made this decision in the first place.
That is why today I am writing this. To change my life into the way I want it to be. To see things in a different light. To do as much good as possible in the year 2007 (I am Buddhist after all) To be more tolerant and rational. These will be my challenges. Please note that I do not make New Year resolutions because I do not believe in them. I believe in challenging myself.
A commitment to seek change. At least that is what I did today to make myself feel proud.