Even while traveling with bare access to television, Internet and radio, one cannot escape the media marvel that is Oprah Winfrey.
I’ve been on the road the last few weeks and practically devoid of knowledge on current events, but even in a New York City cab or immersed in the immense beauty of sleepy Bucks County, Pa., whispers of “Oprah’s last stand” emerge.
A good friend calls, just to describe the incredulity of day one of the two-day star-studded lead up to the show’s final curtain call last Wednesday. I glimpse, but do not hear, stories, recaps and questions of Oprah’s next steps during brief cab rides in the City (NYC cabs have mini-televisions that show weather, comedians like Jay Leno or David Letterman doing recent monologues, and current news). That ubiquitous face even makes brief appearances on convention center monitors. Even in relative obscurity, one could not get away.
The barrage obviously worked, as I was one of the many millions giving Oprah her highest ratings since 1994. It was a great way to complete a season of extremely high ratings, and to close the iconic show that has touched many lives.
Glad I tuned in, it was a pleasure to hear her words — wisdom gleaned throughout 25 years of subject-expert and everyday life-expert teachers — a great reminder to us to, if I may borrow an old Army slogan, “be all we can be.”
Stunning in a Salmon-colored dress, Oprah delivered an hour-long monologue on stage, peppered with video clips from memorable moments on the “Oprah Winfrey Show.” Calling this final show a love letter to her viewers, she promised this would not be “goodbye,” just so long for now. Wisdom nuggets I will remember include:
Oprah talked to nearly 30,000 people during her tenure on the show. She says the common thread is that they all wanted validation and cautioned that, “Every single person you ever will meet will share this common desire. Everybody wants to be heard.” She urged that we validate those in our lives, telling them:
I see you
I hear you
And what you say matters to me.
She also urged that we each listen to the whisper that only we can hear. “What’s whispering to you — will you hear it? Your life is speaking to you — what’s it saying?”
Great reminders for us all. Farewell Oprah for now.
Doni Luckutt is a lifestyle expert who believes by enhancing interpersonal connection, we can stop simply living, and become Simply Alive! If you have a suggestion on what brings you to life, connect with her on Twitter @SimplyAlive, via e-mail Doni@SimplyAliveWorld.com or on her blog: .
