Oprah – Stop Trivializing Yourself
There you are, on the January ’09 cover of your magazine, confessing how embarrassed you are about your weight gain, calling yourself a “fat cow” and talking about how ashamed you are of yourself.
This from the person who’s inspired millions of people to pick up a book and read it from start to finish . . . for the first time.
This from a entrepreneur who has honored some of our country’s finest authors and brought their classic work to the light of day and to the minds of many.
This from the advocate who started the Angel Network which has benefited thousands of charitable non-profit organizations and people in need around the globe.
This from the impresario responsible for bringing Beloved and other important productions to Broadway, the big screen and TV so more people can experience them..
Eleanor Roosevelt thought she was ugly. Did that stop her from leaving a legacy as a strong First Lady who inspired many with her famous insight, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Winston Churchill was not a trim man. Is that what we remember about him or do we remember his timeless rally cry, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
USA Today did a fascinating interview with top-rated movie star Will Smith last week. Smith talked about his 40 year marriage plan with Jada Pinkett Smith and their goal to be philanthropists on the scale of Bill and Melinda Gates. This from the man who a few short years ago was the . . . Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Did Will share his shame about his big ears sticking out? No he’s too busy focusing on how to have an enduring impact.
Oprah, please rededicate yourself to the important work you were sent here to do. Refocus on how you can favorably impact your fellow human beings with your unprecedented clout and resources.
On your obituary, which will hopefully be a long time from now, it would be such a waste if your struggles with your waist were prominently featured – but that is how you are currently defining yourself to us and yourself.
You are a historical figure and a leader of significance in this century. Stop depleting and diminishing yourself by focusing on the scale. We don’t care if you indulge in a hamburger. We care that you are a pioneer who has broken barriers. We care that you are a tireless advocate for those in need. We care that you are a visionary who has elevated millions with your philanthropic efforts. Battle poverty, not your weight.
Copyright 2008, Sam Horn (www.SamHorn.com – Sam@SamHorn.com)

One of the things I say to the love of my life, to whom I’ve been married for 28+ years, is that I am built for comfort, not for speed.

I love it when the kids sing the dreidel song – kids have a way of bringing a smile to my face!

Wow! Kudos to SamHorn and his words of wisdom to Oprah! I agree completely and could not have said it better.