Media mogul, Oprah Winfrey, has conquered everything she’s touched. She began working in television and radio in 1971, and moved to Baltimore, Maryland to host the talk show “People Are Talking.” That talk show paved the way for “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which dominated the television charts.
Her television career helped her branch out into acting, creating O: The Oprah Magazine, and founding OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. The television host has also served as an advocate for children’s rights, education and healthy living.
She has used her career as an avenue to motivate and inspire others to truly live their best life.
“A new day is on the horizon.”
Oprah shook the world during her acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award during the 2018 Golden Globe Awards. Her speech centered around the #MeToo movement. The speech served as a call to action, to ensure the day no one says “me too” again.
Oprah’s words gave people hope, and reminded them that tough times don’t last forever. These words also noted the promise that we are powerful when we come together.
“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”
It’s not hard to see that Oprah’s life and career, reflect her dedication and her belief in herself. Oprah experienced a lot of struggle growing up, but strived for a better life.
Her dreams led her to a life of success personally and professionally. One of Oprah’s successes is founding Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy for Girls. The school was established in 2007, to serve and educate underprivileged girls from 8-12 grade, who lived in nine provinces of South Africa.
Many of the girls who attended the school, have become college graduates, and are setting their goals high to live the life of their dreams.
“Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”
Oprah is transparent about her struggles, and how they’ve molded her and helped her to evolve. A struggle that she’s always been vocal about is her weight. Like many people, her weight has fluctuated throughout her career.
She purchased a 10 percent stake in Weight Watchers in 2015, and has pursued a healthier lifestyle ever since. Her drive to join Weight Watchers, came after she gained 17 pounds from spraining her ankle.
Since then, she’s lost over 40 pounds and has dedicated herself to being her best physically, emotionally and spiritually.
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”
It’s evident that Oprah keeps her circle tight. Her best friend is “CBS This Morning” anchor, Gayle King. Oprah and Gayle have a friendship that has surpassed 40 years.
In an interview with Barbara Walters, Oprah described Gayle:
“She is the mother I never had, she is the sister everybody would want, she is the friend that everybody deserves. I don’t know a better person.”
It’s clear that Oprah is careful about who she allows into her space, and circle of influence. This also teaches others the importance of keeping people in your life, who will carry you through the highs and lows.
Oprah is a beam of light and wisdom on television, in her magazine and in her philanthropic endeavors.
“I know that inner wisdom is more precious than wealth. The more you spend it, the more you gain.”
