Gratitude: Oprah

Today I joined millions of people across the world and tuned in to watch Oprah's final show.  Even though I have only seen a handful of Oprah's shows over the years, I wanted to partake in and witness this, let's face it, historical event.  I found Oprah's final show to be humble, genuine, and deeply spiritual, much like Oprah herself.

I know nearly anything I could ever say about Oprah has probably already been said, and would only be but a small voice among the din of the massive amounts of followers and fans that she already has.  Although, I would not call myself a "fan", simply because that word focuses on what makes she and I different.  It focuses on her fame.  And this is what I like most about her, that it is not her intent to be idolized, but rather to be an example for a way of thinking and living that all of us can attain.  

So rather than be a "fan", I am simply an individual who is grateful that Oprah is here on this earth, in this lifetime, doing exactly what she is doing.  She is living her own Personal Legend (if I may borrow that phrase from one of my favorite authors, Paulo Coelho).  What Oprah has done and is continuing to do for the human race at large is simply phenomenal and irreplaceable.  By becoming her truest, strongest self, she has changed millions of lives across the world, including her own, for the better.  Who could ever ask to accomplish more than that?  To make others happy by doing something you love, something you are passionate about, and therefore discovering bliss for yourself.  Sounds like a wonderful and fulfilling life to me.

So today, on the day that closes a chapter of twenty-five years, I give my gratitude to Oprah.  I am grateful for her being such a strong and courageous leader.  I am grateful that she is shining so brightly by simply being the person she is meant to be.  I am grateful that she is positively impacting others' lives by being true to herself.  And I am grateful that we all have this same potential within us.  Thanks Oprah!