“Today there will be no guests, there will be no makeovers or surprises…You will not be getting a car or a tree. This last hour is really about me saying thank you. It is my love letter to you. I want to leave you all with the lessons that have been the anchor for my life and the ones that I hold most precious.” – Oprah Winfrey
Over the last few days my Facebook news feed has been filled with people expressing grief over the end of The Oprah Winfrey Show. When growing up the only time I watched her show was when a celebrity I liked was being interviewed, but in recent years I started watching it more regularly and understood why women have made Oprah their hero and teacher. Its upsetting that unlike the generation before us who had Oprah help them get through tough times and be their daily inspiration, we really have no one. There are so many stories of people leaving their jobs to pursue their passion all because of an episode of Oprah; take fashion designer Prabal Gurung as an example. He has repeatedly stated that he moved to New York to pursue his dream in the fashion world all because of something he watched on Oprah. It’s time to take out the tissue boxes because in true Oprah style even her last episode will make you cry.
“It has been a privilege for me to speak to you here. You let me into your homes to talk to you everyday. This is what you allowed me to do, and I thank you for that. But what I want you to know is each of you has your own platform. Do not let the trappings here fool you. Mine is a stage on a studio. Wherever you are, that is your platform, your stage, your circle of influence. That is your talk show and that is where your power lies.”
Unlike the much publicized surprise star-studded farewell, Oprah’s last episode had no guests as she imparted her learnings from the show and life with her fans. The episode started with a clip from her very first appearance when she first told her audience “you are not alone”. She commented on how she didn’t have a stylist or publicist and had to go looking for an audience on the streets to fill up the chairs. She continued to give her words of wisdom and thank her fans throughout the episode.
“We can all block our own blessings because we don’t feel inherently good enough or smart enough or pretty enough. The show has taught me that you’re worthy because you were born and you are here. Your being here, and being alive, makes you worthy. You alone are enough.”
The episode gave us insight into how Oprah’s beliefs and way of life has made her who she is today. It was a beautiful end to 25 years of the most popular talk show in television history. She graciously gave out her personal email address (oprah@oprah.com) and added that if you receive an email back it’s directly from her.
We’ll miss you Oprah, thank you for being an inspiration to all of us!
P.S – Someone in India needs to start broadcasting shows from Oprah’s network asap!