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Thursday, May 26, 2011

How Oprah Changed My Life

As I watch the farewell season to the Oprah Winfrey Show, I am moved by deep inspiration, gratitude and praise for the All That Is. I watched how many lives the show has touched including mine.
It was in 2005, that the 20th Anniversary series came out on DVD. My mentor told me to buy it and watch it as she blubbered how her perception was changed and her heart was opened. Seventy-two hours later, the facade I held up for years 27 was broken down. The heart that was hardened became open, and I cried for three days. It was in that moment, that I realized I had a mission and a purpose to fulfill. The emotion I experienced was raw. I felt vulnerable and open for the very first time in my life. I was beginning to understand my own compassion, to feel it, and to recognize the palpitating energy that was hidden deep within me. It was liberating! Anytime I felt that I needed to breakdown or breakthrough, I went back to the DVD.
One of the guests that inspired me was real angel, a life prophet, Mattie Stepanak. I was opened to how much wisdom, love and peace that spoke through him. It made me realize that he too was a cracked and broken clay jar with his disease, yet that did not stop God from using him and speaking through him.
It was the Christmas in Africa that brought the most tears to my eyes. Again, a breakthrough for me to believe that I too, can become an ultimate servant and an ultimate giver.
Throughout Oprah's last and final season, the underlying message beneath the story lines for me became about transparency, healing, imperfections, and love. Many who shared the stage had bitter wounds, yet each and everyone had gave us the hope of becoming better. We can always put the pieces back together again no matter what. This is what makes our story remarkable.
Oprah's Farewell Lessons:
4561 days of her life, she has given to the world. Amazing grace has been the constant in Oprah's life. She always "showed up" and on days when she was bone tired, she did it because it was her "calling." We are all called. Figure it out and get about the business of doing it. A calling is a passion that lights you up. Live from the heart of yourself. Know what sparks in you, so that you in your own way can illuminate the world. Each of us has a platform to operate and give from. For Oprah, it was the stage and the studio. But our platform can be anything and anywhere. This is where your power lies. There is where you "reach." You receive in the direct proportion to what you give. As we see, Oprah's platform was given to her as the stage in which this case has reached millions, therefore, she has received so much. Our platform to give can start in our families, at home, in the office, wherever that is, do it now. Never confuse service for fame. Begin to carry your life forward. Start embracing the life that is calling you, and use your life to serve the world. We all have a common connection, a thread that keeps us together. You are responsible for your life. You are responsible for the energy you bring to yourself and others. Take responsibility for the energy you bring into my space. -Jill Bolte Taylor
For every action, there is an equal or opposite reaction. People want to be validated. Validation means "I hear you, I see you, and what you say matters to me." Being born, alive here today validates our worthiness. We inheritantly block our blessings because we don't feel like we're worthy enough, pretty enough, thin enough, smart enough because of "unworthiness." Remember, you are here because you are worthy. 
Thank you Oprah Winfrey. You've taken down my walls, and have opened up my heart to all of who I am, all of who I can become. You've have shown me my possibilities of becoming the ultimate servant and giver. I love you. 
Much love,
Shannon Tecson