My Oprah Moment - LA2012 Pt 2

Myself along with fellow OWN Ambassadors had the pleasure and were so blessed to be invited to have lunch with Oprah while we were in Los Angeles for the OYOU conference.  The moment plans started happening, I began my countdown.  Excitement and joy welled up inside my soul and kept building as the days counted down on my blackberry countdown clock. (Yes, I had a countdown clock on my phone and told everyone as often as I could)

So many times I found myself asking out loud, 'Is this really happening? Who does this happen to?" Well, I can now say, it happens to someone like me! Believe in your dreams and dream big!!

During the lunch break of the OYOU conference (which I will blog about in LA2012 pt3) we were asked to all meet in a designated spot wearing our green OWN Ambassador bracelets and would then be escorted upstairs to a lovely room in the LA Convention Centre.  We all were beside ourselves with Oprah bliss as we were lead to the room where IT was about to happen.  I was about to meet Oprah.

For weeks, I was worried that I would have the same reaction as I did during Lifeclass here in Toronto this past April. When Oprah walked out on that Lifeclass stage, I wept with joy as this was the first time I saw her in person.  This woman who over the years I've grown to respect. I seek out her advice and wisdom, knowing that she gets it.  So, naturally you can imagine my terror of having that same reaction this time, and in such a smaller and much more intimate setting.  For Lifeclass, I was in gigantic room with almost 8500 other people.  For this intimate lunch, I would be in a much cozier room with my fellow Ambassadors, about 35 of us in total.

Walking into this room, with the large buffet type spread on the left hand side, we saw a few tables on the right side where we were encouraged to go to first and I realized they had everyone in a seating plan. Our amazing lovely ladies Maya and Jai from Harpo had seated all of the Canadian Ambassadors at one table which was wonderful!! After finding our table and probably pinching ourselves more then necessary, we noticed that each table had one empty seat at it.  Hmmm, I wonder....

A beautiful lunch spread was put out before us, with delicious salads, tasty sandwiches and delectable desserts. And let me say right here, whoever made the heavenly mouthwatering pumpkin creme brulee...OMG, kudos my friend, well played!! That along with a few bites of some Greek salad was about all I could eat.  Gayle King and Iyanla Vanzant popped in and were so wonderful.  Chatting with us for a bit, thanking us for all of our support and love for OWN and of course Lady O herself! I could feel the anticipation building in the room.  Each time the door would open, myself along with many others would catch our breath and look with expected excitement in the hopes to get the first glimpse of Oprah walking through those doors. Eric Logan also came in to chat with each of us as well.  He is the President of OWN and what an amazing guy! So lovely to speak with and actually sat and chatted with us at the Canadian Ambassadors table.

Maya gave us a quick run down on how our time with Oprah was going to go. Oprah would come in, we would have the opportunity to get a picture taken with her by her very own photographer Geroge Burns. Then she would make her way to each table and have a sit down chat with us...hence the empty seat at each beautifully set rounded table.

This was it, it was really happening! My eyes began to well up with tears as it really started to become a reality to me.  In just moments, Oprah was going to walk through that door.  My mind raced back to her last episode of TOWS, where we can all remember her words to us.  Her love letter to each of us over the last 25 years.  In that show, amongst the countless bits of love and wisdom she bestowed upon us, she said...

"To those of you whose names I'll never know, I learned what love is."
 

Listening to those words from her, standing on that stage welling up with emotion herself in that gorgeous L'Wren Scott dress,  I thought that I would be one of those millions whose names she would never know.  I always knew that I would meet her one day but never to the magnitude that I am meeting her now.  As my reality came back down to my table, and literally moments before she walked into the room, a peace came over me.  Although emotional and with tears in my eyes, I was at peace because I knew that this was exactly how it was suppose to be.  I was meant to be here in this moment, in this time.  I was meant to be part of this group, we were all meant to be here as light carriers for this was already done.  This was already orchestrated behind the scenes and we were just now seeing the script of this chapter in our lives.

Then, as the door opened and chills raced up and down my arms, Oprah walked in. There she was! Right before me, smiling at all of us!! Instant applause erupted from the room and we all cheered for our fearless life teacher who stood before us!

What happened in the next few minutes gave me an incredible full circle moment that I will carry in my heart for the rest of my days. They had us do the pictures first, so table by table went up and got in line to await our picture moment with Oprah.  With each snap of the camera, I got closer and closer to her, anticipating what I would say or would she say anything to me? I was almost patting myself on the back because I was keeping my cool.  Oh yah, I can do this.  I can walk up to Oprah Winfrey and snap a fabulous picture with her.  Of course! Well, as my moment got closer and closer, I felt my palms getting sweaty.  Then I frantically wiped them down my pant leg....I'm pretty sure the last thing Oprah wants to feel are my sweaty hands! *SNAP* That was the camera again and it was now my turn to walk up to her. As I took my steps towards her, she looked at me and said 'Misty! Mistys OWN!' (which is my twitter name) Wait a minute...she just said my name, at least I think that's my name. Is my name Misty?  My knees began to feel a little weak and I recall praying to God right then and there. 'God, please do not let me fall at this woman's feet!' She knew my name! I'm not one of those whose name she'll never know.  She knows it! She knows me! As I reached her, I gave her a hug and then turned for our picture.  I think George snapped a few pictures and then I was on my way and the person behind me was about to have their Oprah moment.  Walking back to my seat, I remember just repeating to myself, she knew me, she knew me!

As I watched each person after me get their pictures taken with Oprah, the pure joy rising on each of their faces was truly a sight to see.  The sparkle on all of our faces really could have lit the entire LA Convention Centre, of this I have no doubt!

After the pictures were finished being snapped, Oprah said a few words to us as a group before going around to each table. She graciously thanked us for our love and support of her and OWN, for standing by her from day one as she has tried to make this amazing network something with sustenance for the soul.  She called us her light carriers.  Ok, I'm good with that!!

As she went around to each table, talking and laughing with her light carriers, we got wind that Entertainment Tonight and Nancy O'Dell were just outside and wanted to pop in.  LOL, are you kidding me?  Sure, come on in Nancy! WOW!

Although quite blurry, this is me in the upper right corner in the yellow top.  And this was a clip they showed on Entertainment Tonight! Nancy O'Dell came into the room with the ET cameras and had a quick chat with Oprah, before they were to meet after to have an interview. Quite a few Ambassadors were shot and shown on ET and we all were just tickled pink by it! But the biggest highlight of that little bonus with ET showing up?? It was that Oprah was able to tell her and show some of the faithful and loving supporters of OWN.  I was really moved by the fact that the Oprah was talking to Nancy and ET about us, the OWN Ambassadors, her light carriers!

After ET left, Oprah continued on to each table, making her way to ours.  'CANADA' she says! 'I LOVE CANADA!!' Standing beside me, with a tap on my shoulder and a squeeze, she chatted with us and laughed along.  How awesome were these moments?!?! She was so gracious and so amazing, putting each person at ease.  After her table chats, she had to leave us for her interview with ET and then for the closing of the OYOU conference.  She affectionately thanked us again and left the room.  Yes, I had to tell myself more than once, that DID just happen!

I tried to take each moment in, soaking it up as to not take even a second of it for granted.  I am truly blessed to have been present for all of this! The one person who I have dreamed of meeting my entire life, I just did! This girl from Niagara Falls Canada, who spent many years telling herself that she wasn't enough, and didn't deserve the happiness she so craved deep inside, that girl is now this woman who is writing these words, knowing that I AM enough, and I deserve more than happiness, I deserve all the joy rising up in my soul. I learned this partly because of Oprah.  She taught me that I am worthy, that I'm deserving of my own love first and foremost! Countless life lessons I have attained from Oprah and for that I am forever grateful. 

This was my first Oprah moment, but I can promise you this, it won't be my last! The awesomeness has just started and I can't wait to see what's coming next!

Thanks for tuning in everyone! Stay tuned for LA2012 Pt 3 coming to a screen near you very soon!  so much more happened at the OYOU Conference, so many other great lessons from some fantastic teachers! Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Sending love out to all,

Misty
xo

DeVon Franklin and the OWN Ambassadors - LA2012 Pt 1

Our LA trip finally happened!!  After months and months of planning and prepping, myself along with other OWN Ambassadors made our way to Los Angeles for what proved to be an unforgettable moment in time!

A few months ago, I tweeted DeVon Franklin (@DeVon_Franklin) asking him if her would be interested in joining us for dinner one night while we were in the sunny city.  Graciously, he accepted and so started the excitement for the OWN Ambassadors moment with DeVon!

We were introduced to DeVon when he appeared on an episode of Super Soul Sunday as a guest of Oprah.  He had written a book called Produced By Faith and was discussing it with Lady O.  If any of you have not yet read this book, I suggest it whole-heartedly! What a fantastic insight he has and his words will reach your heart and allow you to see the path you are on, realizing that you just have to be where you are.  God has already mapped it out for you.  All we have to do is be who he has created us to be.  Using his experience in the Hollywood film industry, DeVon's words allow us to see our lives in the form of a movie.  Each step, each process and all the players involved, fitting into certain roles.  I promise you this is a MUST read and you will be forever changed!

After DM'ing (Direct Messaging for all of you non twitter users) with DeVon for a few weeks, trying to plan a meeting, he invited us to a breakfast with him at Sony Studios where he is a Senor VP of Production for Columbia Pictures.  I know right?  WOW!!  We were all so thrilled and beside ourselves with excitement!!! What an amazing opportunity! I was in communication with DeVon's assistant Ryan who was remarkable! He was there to provide me with support and any help I needed to get our Ambassadors there and to have a wonderful time! After providing a list of names for every attendee going to Sony, we were ready to go!

This morning was also going to be the morning were we got to meet each other as well.  The OWN Ambassadors.  My new family of fellow light carriers who show me every day what it is to love unconditionally.  Some of us have already met each other but this was to be the first of many meetings with almost all of us together in one room. The energy and excitement was palpable.  I can still feel the buzz of anticipation inside me!!

When I walked into the room and saw so many faces that I have already grown to love, I was consumed with such gratitude and appreciation for the amazing people that stood before me! It was so great to be face to face with people who I've connected to and formed bonds with. Normally, for people who know me well, I am shy and not a fan of meeting/being is large groups of people.  BUT, this was different and I can see and feel the changes already happening inside me.  When I walked in to that room, it wasn't at all like meeting people for the first time.  Because we've had Twitter and facebook, because we've had those conversations with one another, I really felt like I was coming home after being away for a long time.  Coming home and seeing all my loved ones in one room. 



After we all had some time to chat and do lots of hugging and kissing, in came DeVon and he was absolutely fabulous! So grateful to us for being there, so real and on our level! He allowed us to get pictures with him, signed our copies of his book, which quite a number of us had with us in the hopes that he would! He then gave us a little mini sermon which was so powerful and left many of us in tears.  For me personally, a few things really stuck with me and are still running through my head.

"Change your posture. Take on your reaping position because it's already done."

I learned that God had already chose me to be there in that moment.  He chose me to be part of the OWN Ambassadors even long before the OWN Ambassadors even existed! He chose all of us! He chose DeVon to be an instructor to us and He already knew that we would all meet and be the light and faith Ambassadors that we have become!

This day was remarkable.  Filled with so much love and devotion, privilege and blessings!  This day, Friday October 19th marked a day congregating with fellow brothers and sisters of the light, sharing a part of ourselves with one another.  This day began the shift inside me and I am so thankful!!

Thanks to DeVon and Sony for inviting us for breakfast and fellowship! I will always remember this moment!!

And this is just the start of the amazingness that was LA for me! Look out for LA2012 pt 2, coming soon!

Thanks for tuning in lovies!

Misty
xo

Deserving of Happiness

The last few months have brought me so many ups and downs it has been hard to catch my breath at times.  Still reeling with the sadness over losing my step dad and seeing my mom in pain has been difficult but knowing that she will survive this, get stronger every day and live her life with fulfillment and purpose makes me feel at ease in my soul.  Yes times will be tough, moments will be hard to accept, memories are sad to make knowing that someone is missing, but never forgotten. Each day is proving to be a lesson and I am striving to learn what each one is trying to tell me.

Amongst the sadness and loss, there was a beam of the brightest light I have ever seen.  First it was Lifeclass here in Toronto and the amazing Tea Party with OWN Canada and of course meeting some of my fantastic Canadian OWN Ambassadors.  And now…..not only were we talking about going to LA in October for the O You event, but to top that already cherry topped sundae, we are now going to have lunch with Oprah herself! How many people can say that? When I say a dream come true, those words somehow don’t even begin to explain the full extent of the overwhelming excitement I feel all the way down to my orange painted toes! I am having lunch with some amazing friends and OPRAH!!! OMG!!! OMG!!! OMG!!! Sometimes I have to say it out loud just so I can hear it!! LOL

This LA trip will allow me to cross 2, count them 2 things, maybe more off my Bucket List.  WOOHOO!!

I realized something this morning when I was on my way to the office.  This place I am in right now, although I am still making changes in my life and still learning, striving to live authentically, aside from all of that, I am the best me I can be right now.  Always a student of life, accepting that I really can’t do it all but I can have all my dreams if I work at it! To have been able to connect with great people, being given the opportunities for Lifeclass and now O You and lunch with Oprah….I am deserving of happiness.  Really and truly.  I already knew this however the meaning really reflected something different in my heart today.  It’s so easy for me to get down on myself, always pointing out my flaws, what I need to change, what I do wrong.  But this morning, I thought…Hmm, I’m really deserving of all of this! When it comes to others, I have no problem in feeling confident in that I love hard and forever.  I take care of my loved ones, doing whatever needs to be done.  I put them first, ensuring they have what they need and I love doing that! Knowing that I helped in making them happy, putting a smile on their face and making my love and presence felt is something I will forever do.  What I lack is focusing that same passion onto myself.  But why?  I obviously have the capability, so why not love me and do whatever it takes for me?  I am deserving, so incredibly deserving!  We all are! We each have setbacks and flaws and things that we aren’t necessarily proud of.  But that doesn’t matter at all!  Good things can still happen and we have to accept it and enjoy it.  Don’t waste your time asking why this is happening or thinking that something will go wrong.  Just let it be.  Let it be something wonderful that you can enjoy because you have earned it!

Have a great day friends!!  More to come soon…I have a feeling my soul has much more to say!!!

Take care

Misty

xoxo

Lesson Put to the Test

I love being in a position where I can call to action any one of the life changing lessons I have learned over the course of my life.  Although I always have been open to learn new things, it can be difficult for me.  I do have control issues, I can admit that.  I hate not being the one who is in complete control of what is going on around me.  I've said before, we are all a work in progress.  We all have our own journey that we are taking.  Do I turn left or right? Do I keep going straight ahead or should I look back to make sure I'm in the right place?  We never know until we have taken that next step if we should keep going in that direction or take a different course.

I talked in my last post about being at the ultimate classroom in the world. Oprah's Lifeclass here in Toronto.  There, with the lesson being Forgiveness, I had a big Aha moment.  I realized that I hadn't forgiven my father.  I hadn't seen him in nearly 5 years.  We did speak on the one briefly back in 2009, but that was it.  After Lifeclass I figured I would do much reflection about what I had learned.  Sadly, with the passing of my step dad there wasn't really time for that.  But, the good thing about lessons learned is that there isn't any time limit.  No expiry date.  I can reflect now, I can understand it more now.  However, like I mentioned, with the passing of Dougie just a few days after Lifeclass, the next two weeks were filled with pain, anguish and being the best support I could to my mom.  Little did I know, that the very day after the memorial for my step dad, I would see my father. 

My brother just bought a house, his first house. My mom and I were there with him along with my niece as he took his first steps inside of his new home.  While I was washing a few things in the sink for him, I happened to look outside and there he was, walking towards the house.  My father.  I  felt my stomach begin to turn.  Panic was flowing through me so instantaneously I barely got out the words, 'Dad's here' to my brother.  As he walked in, he paid condolences to my mother, as he should have, and then walked over to me wanting to give me a hug. A frustrating trait of my father's is and always has been, pretending that everything is okay when it so evidently is not.  He hugged, I let him, honestly not knowing what to do.  Panic was still coursing through me and all I could do was smile.  I continued washing dishes in the sink as my brother took our father on a tour of the house.  My brother, being extremely considerate, ushered him through the house as quickly as he could and brought him outside to chat, knowing how I and my mother both feel about him.  Before leaving, he came back into the house to say goodbye, telling me to 'be good'.  Without looking up I told him to take care.  Then he left.  As I saw him walking down the driveway, hearing my brother apologize to us for him showing up there, tears began to stream down my cheeks.  I just wasn't prepared.  After already having a draining few weeks and a particularly difficult day the day before I just wasn't ready.

Despite the fact that I was crying, that I was riddled with panic, I did hear that little voice inside my heart.  Telling me it was ok.  I was allowed to feel this way.  I was absolutely entitled to acknowledging my damaged heart over this broken relationship. And even though I did have some anger towards myself because I was getting upset, I still knew it was ok because I have been equipped with some amazing life lessons.  My head knows that I need to forgive, but my heart just isn't there yet.  In time it will be, but not yet.  There is so much anger and hurt that I am working through still.  I know it will come, all in due time.  My heart will replenish itself, I will forgive.  Something else to be grateful for from Lifeclass.  I'm not sure how I would have reacted seeing him without having my Oprah Armor on.  I really do consider the teachings that Oprah and all of her Life Coaches have given me is my armor.  As long as I wear it properly it will protect me, allowing me to fight off anything that stands in my way.  Anything that comes against me, tries to hurt me, take me down.  This armor is my best defense!

So the journey continues ladies and gentlemen! I'm excited to see what is around the corner! 

Until next time lovies..

Misty
xo

Oprah's LifeClass in Toronto 2012

Again, apologies for being so late with this post, but I know I'm already forgiven! I promise I am getting back on track and will be more on the ball in the days to come!

Now, on to the main event! OPRAH'S LIFECLASS IN TORONTO!!  Need I say more?! I can still channel all the emotions I felt that day. Waking up way before my alarm that morning, like I could sleep.  The moment my eyes opened I shot up and out of bed, hopping into the shower to begin a day that I already knew would go down in my history books as one of the best, one of the most memorable!

After meeting some friends at their hotel, it was decided we would head down to the convention centre earlier then planned, to get into line.  After all, we were but a few people amongst thousands and thousands waiting in the same line, to feel and experience the same things.  We were about to see Oprah and her expert life coaches all wrapped up in the most life changing classroom in the world! The excitement was palpable.  I made a mental note while in that line, looking ahead and behind me at the vast number of people waiting with me.  All I could do was smile. My cheeks were sore before the class even began but I wouldn't have had it any other way!  I knew that each one of us was about to experience something magnificent and better yet, life changing.  I was so happy for all of us, so thrilled that we were about to embark on a day that legends are made of!

Once we were able to get into the building, after waiting for hours outside (so thankful that it was sunny and not cold and rainy) we were guided into the waiting area for another hour or so until we were able to take our seats. As the huge sliding doors began to move and we were able to navigate our way inside, I could feel my very perceptions begin to go into overdrive. This was it. I was about to be in the ultimate classroom of all classrooms.
Those of us who have had the honor to be amongst such wise individuals, soaking in the immense energy was mind boggling. I can still feel the room itself, almost vibrating with excitement, joy and gratitude. Love for this woman, her Lifeclass and each and every person involved.

Taking our fabulous seats, we waited with such intense anticipation.  Sitting 5 rows from the front, with an aisle seat was awesome!  The stage was so close and more than a few times I had to restrain myself from jumping up on it! I literally had to tell myself to keep my butt in that chair..Seriously!

Deepak Chopra, Iyanla Vanzant, Tony Robbins and Bishop TD Jakes came out to speak individually first.  Then Oprah was to come out, to be joined again by her fantastic team of life coaches for the live taping.

Being in the presence of these four electrifying coaches was in itself almost too much to take.  My heart was full and I was overwhelmed with such gratitude and love.

But, as her name was being announced, seeing her walk out onto that stage, words can't even describe the emotions I had going on inside of me. To be honest, I almost peed myself.  I was overcome with wrought emotions, hot tears streaming down my cheeks, heart beating out of my chest, jumping up and down with laughter mixed in with the crying. Can you just picture it now? LOL, I can totally see me and my crazy ugly cry!! The woman whom I have learned so many life lessons from, who changed my life with her wisdom, sharing with so many of us the power of these life lesson was right in front of me! Oprah Winfrey, who I grew up watching, admiring and dreamt of the day where I could be in her audience, it was all happening. At this very moment, along with some my amazing OWN Ambassadors and the rest of the 8500 people there in attendance, taking this journey with me. Even as I write this, I am filled with the utter joy that consumed my body that very night!

So many valuable lessons learned while at Lifeclass in Toronto. To name a few….I had some great AHA moments.

With the theme of forgiveness, I realized something powerful. I was able to forgive my childhood abuser. I was able to do that and really feel that in my soul last year. You would think that would be the hardest person for me to forgive. If I can forgave that horrible man, that horrible neighbor who took the innocence away from that little girl, you’d think, or at least I thought, that I could forgive anyone. Not true. I realized at LifeClass that I have not forgiven my father. My father who was a large part of my life, but as I got older, he was absent. Him and I had a rocky road in my early twenties, finally coming together again in my early thirties. I had gone through some therapy, to help deal with the abuse I endured as a child from that neighbor. I had to tell my father in a family session what had happened to me. And that was the last time we have really spoken. I had so much anger inside me when that happened I didn’t know how to express it. I mean, how could I forgave my abuser but not my own father? I realized at Lifeclass the grudge I was holding towards my father was really holding me. I had a preconceived notion on how my father should be. How he should act with me, treat me and love me. I’ve held onto this because I want to hear that apology from him, for not being my dad when I needed him most. For the feelings I was feeling about being loved and being deserving of love. I used to fear that if my own father didn’t want anything to do with me, didn’t love me, how in the world could I find someone else to love me. How would I find a man to love me and have a family with me. I realized in Toronto, sitting in that Lifeclass room, that I was limiting my own life purposes. I was putting limitations on my own successes, basing them on other people. I don’t need that apology from him. If he isn’t capable of being a supportive father, that is none of my business. I don’t need that to be happy and fulfilled. I can make me happy. I can provide what I need to so I can live my most authentic and fulfilling life.

As Iyanla says, ‘Everything is just as it needs to be.’

One of the most important things I have learned over the years from Oprah is that I am ENOUGH! I am seen, heard and loved. But more than being a person who deserves to receives love from another, I deserve to feel my own love. I am worthy of loving me. I’m good enough, and my love is strong and pure and I want to feel that inside myself. And I LOVE that!!! There may be times where I struggle with self worth, but life is a journey right? We are all on a path for greatness, for self awareness. And all I can say is that I am enjoying my journey right now!

What an amazing night! Words can't truly express the full extent of the feelings I felt, thoughts I thought and realizations I realized.  It was powerful and absolutely life changing.  I'm so thankful that I was able to be part of such an awe-inspiring evening.  I consider me to be very lucky and blessed.

We all know everything happens for a reason.  Little did I know, that just 3 days later, after LifeClass, I would need to call to the surface the many lessons learned from Oprah over the years, including the class I just attended. I was meant to be in that classroom, hearing that exact lesson in that exact moment. For that I am truly grateful!

That's it for now friends! Tune in next time to find out what happened next.

Stay well lovies!

Misty

xo

OWN Tea Party

I know I am so late in getting these posts out but as most of you know, this last week has been all over the place for me and my family.  Without getting into that (a post to come soon) I want to begin telling my absolutely phenomenal OPRAH - OWN weekend story!!

A few weeks ago I received an email from OWN Canada, inviting me to the Fairmont RYH for a Tea Party with them.  Well, can I just say that after picking my jaw up off the floor and reading the email over multiple times, slowly realizing that it was real, I did the happy dance of all happy dances! I must say, I am becoming quite the expert on the Happy Dance.  Thinking I should put out a youtube clip on the How To's of a Successful Happy Dance!!  Ellen will be calling me in no time!

After rsvp'ing YES, rather quickly might I add, I sat with this piece of knowledge for a little while, wondering, no, wishing, no, dreaming that any of my fellow OWN Ambassadors also received such an email.  I began to reach out to a few of them and before I knew it, we were all rejoicing!! For they were also siting in front of their laptops, ipads, blackberry's, reading the exact same email.  I thought, could this be? Is this really happening? YES was the answer, loud and clear!!
The excitement was already building with Oprah and Lifeclass happening the day after this blessed Tea Party was to take place. This was just the icing on the delicious mouth watering cake...I'm thinking Red Velvet.

So, on Sunday April 15th, 2012, myself, along with some new found friends began our OPRAH - OWN weekend together, embarking on a journey that would forever be cemented into our hearts and minds, imprinting on one another.

Words can't even express just how magnificent the entire day was.  Not only was I about to enjoy a masterfully assembled tea party, trimmed with soothing tea and delectable foods, which by the way, the little puff pastry swans were almost to pretty to eat.  You did notice I said almost right? And I can't forget about the champagne, Oh Lord the champagne!!  Aside from all of that, I was able to meet face to face some of the most caring, loving and extraordinary people I have ever met. Through Twitter I have had the utmost privilege to meet and now be part of the OWN Ambassadors.  It's no lie, no exaggeration when I say that this group of people are the real thing.  Many different backgrounds, different walks of life, all brought together by one common denominator.  Oprah and our love and support of OWN.

During tea, we were able to meet so many intriguing people. Each person from the OWN Canada girls, Corus Entertainment folks, fellow bloggers, Fairmont RYH staff and everyone in between made this twinkle in time one that I shall remember for the rest of my days.  It was a true moment, one that my heart will always hold on to. A few times, it was brought to my attention that I was pretty quiet during the afternoon.  It's because there was so much to experience, so much to feel.  My cup runneth over, and it still does for being included in a day that will now go down in OPRAH - OWN history.  And I was part of it!

With still many of my fellow OWN Ambassadors that we didn't have the opportunity to hug in person, the small group of us there didn't waste anytime coming together and showing the love.  Right from the first moments our eyes recognized each other, I felt such acceptance. It really filled my heart. Thank you for making an already remarkable day, absolutely stupendous!!

What a day it was.  I found myself humming Oh Happy Day for the rest of the evening.  After we began to part for the night, as everyone was exhausted from the days excitement and events, the anticipation for Oprah's Lifeclass was beginning to build.  That very next day, one of my dreams was about to come true.  Something to cross off my Bucket List.  Something that I knew would happen was about to, because that was what my Vision Board had told me.  I was about to see Oprah, live and in person.  Dreams do come true!!

Tune in next time guys and gals.  I will give you my Aha's and each exhilarating moment in between about my experience with Oprah - OWN in Toronto!! Life changing stuff for Authentically Misty!!

Take care lovies!

Misty
xo

Gratitude Time!!

I think it’s time for a Gratitude Break!  As many of us have busy and hectic lives with a dash of turmoil at times thrown in the mix, I think it’s important to take a moment and reflect on the many wonderful loved ones and things we have in our lives that make it a joy to get up and live another day.

I still have those moments where I sourly say ‘Why is this happening to me?’ Sometimes it can be easy to turn to the negative side of things when something isn’t going according to plan.  And I sure do like having a plan.  Planning is good but there comes a point where you have to relinquish the control to a higher power and just let it take you along for the ride.

What are you thankful for?  What is going on in your life right now that you feel an abundance of gratitude.  

Today, Monday March 26, 2012 here are just a few things that I am grateful for.

My family – no matter the distance or time we have together, I am lucky to have them in my life.  I am so grateful for the love and support I have been shown, especially when times were dark for me and I didn’t know if I’d ever see the light again.  Although I sometimes still struggle, I really do know that I’m loved by the ones who truly matter to me.

Alanna – my niece, my heart, everything that is good. She is my joy and laughter and the sweetest sound to my ears is hearing her say ‘I love you Auntie Misty’

My friends – I have amazing close friends who I am blessed to have in my life.  Although most I am not able to see on a daily basis because of distance, I know that they truly carry me in their hearts as I them. Knowing that someone is out there who loves you, not because they have to but because they want to is such an amazing feeling.

Oprah’s LifeClass Tour – I am so lucky to have the amazing fortune to be able to attend this blessed event, with amazing co-teachers on stage with her.  I’m looking forward to learning more and having fantastic AHA moments.

AHA moments – because they truly give me a sense of learning something else about me.  I have learned what is really inside my heart, what my spirit holds close and how I can make me a better person to become my more authentic self.  We all want to improve ourselves and becoming aware of how to do that inwardly only helps out the outwardly.

OWN Ambassadors – I have connected with some fantastic people just in the last few months.  People who not only have the same passion for Oprah and OWN as I do, but are truly amazing people who take anyone in.  No judgments, no stipulations.  I am blessed to be part of such greatness. Everything happens for a reason and I believe that astonishing things are going to come from this group.  I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Oprah – for being my ultimate life mentor.  The things I have learned about myself, after locking them away inside me for so long, I learned from her.  I learned not to be ashamed.  I learned how to love myself and I learned that I am worth it.  I learned my future isn’t based on my past.  I learned that all I want is to be heard and seen and know that I matter.  Life breakthrough after breakthrough is really what has kept me going.  

My inner strength – just when I think it is diminishing, BOOM! Something else happens to trigger this force inside of me.  Whether it’s to support myself in a struggle within or to be there for a loved in need, I am so thankful that I can do that, supporting, loving and giving of my own self. 

Little Warriors – for bringing child sexual abuse to the surface and providing parents with the early detection methods to help stop it.  Knowing what to look for is part of the battle!

http://littlewarriors.ca/

Thanks for tuning in friends!! Until next time....

Misty
xo

Lessons

There are lessons to be learned all around us.  Even if we don't quite pick up on them right away, or ever, they are still there.  The hope is that we are perceptive enough to receive it.  To allow those lessons to speak to our hearts and actually teach us something. Those valuable life lessons are comprehended through our own experiences and our inner souls.  Only then when we recognize a lesson that is forming in front of us can we say AHA, that was a moment!

#17 - You Can Rise From the Ashes of Your Life - Oprah's Lifeclass Season 1

This was a major lesson for me. I realized then that I really am the only one who has the power to pick up my pieces and move forward, putting each heartache, each struggle and every obstacle I have hurdled into my bag of life and carry it with me along my journey.  As I conquered each new phase,  the items I carry with me reposition themselves in my bag and new things become more important and take greater priority. The more lessons learned, the more AHA moments you experience, it equips you with armor for the future.  It can become easy to allow the circumstances from your past to dictate to you the person you are going to be.  When in reality that is so far from the truth.  I am not that same person anymore.  I am not the weak, scared and naive girl I once was. I am unbroken.  I am a survivor and I am here to fight another day.  Nothing comes easy to any of us.  We all have had our own trails and tribulations that we have overcome.  Some with grace and skill and others with an inept sense of self. 
I believe that people who have beaten all odds, fought to get out of the darkness and turn a otherwise downward path around are people who need to be applauded.  They truly did rise up from the ashes of their life.  They need to be thought of as victors because that's what they are.  Whether you have overcome losing a loved one, being sexually abused, being beaten, losing all of your earthly possessions or not feeling love from anyone, you are in  a place now, god-willing, that you can look back just to see how far you have walked on your own.

On a side note, Lady O will be coming to Toronto very soon, on her Lifeclass tour for season 2.  This is very very exciting.  I'm eager to learn more in class!!!  If anyone hasn't seen the first season, I encourage you all to check out the site for an overview of the first 25 lessons.  I promise you won't be disappointed!

http://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/Oprahs-Lifeclass-Lessons-Season-1

Like I have said many times before, Oprah is my life mentor.  She has taught me and millions of others so many valuable lessons. She has really taken us all to school and it feels great!!  I have put my trust into her words.  Not because of her celebrity status.  But because she has taught me. Her heart has reached out and touched mine.  I see her for who she is and what she is offering.  And even though she doesn't know me by name, I know that her heart feels mine as well.  Her heart feels what I am putting out there as so many others are doing the same.  Because its true and pure and there is nothing better then that.

I am on twitter as well.  You can find me @mistygirl77.  For any of you who are on Twitter and have the same love and respect for Oprah as I do, please find me and lets have a chat.  You will also find that there is an amazing community of Oprah and OWN supporters who all come together as one, talking and sharing.  I invite anyone to join us.  You can look up the hashtags, #OWNAmbassadors, #OprahsNextChapter and #Lifeclass to name but a few.  I have had the privilege to get connected with some pretty outstanding individuals who have the same passion as I do.

Shout out to all my Own Ambassadors!  Love you guys!! xoxo

Take it easy everyone!
xoxo

I WIN!

Hello gang,

Sorry I’ve been away for so long.  We all have those times where life is busy and hectic and before we know it, two months have up and gone by.  But I’m here now and that is all that really matters!  I hope everyone has had a wonderful start to their 2012!  It has been quite an eye opener for me!  Some great things have manifested within my heart and I can’t wait to share them with you!

Learning of the death of someone who painfully affected my childhood has made me see things so differently.  I have strived to have that sense of power and control, for happiness and fulfillment for so long.  When I thought I had it, something would happen and I would be sadly shown that I was wrong.  But now, I can really feel it inside me.  I know that it is not  at full force, but I can physically feel something is there and it’s growing.  Although I still sense doubt at times within my soul about what I can and what I can’t do, I am starting to feel empowered, thinking, I just might be able to do.  I outlived someone who has never really left my thoughts or my nightmares, who I thought would be there to haunt me until the day I died.  But no.  I beat him!  I beat him! I beat him!

My  self-doubt has in a way been my comfort zone.  When something scares me, I can so easily retreat back within myself, locking me up good and tight until the coast seems clear enough for me to reach out ever so slowly and let me toes test the water again.  Who wants to live like that? That’s not a way to live your life.  I know this, but as we all have felt in the past, knowing and doing are two completely different things.  I know that I need to love myself.  I know that I need to not eat that piece of chocolate.  I know that I need to be healthy, work out and be active.  I know all of this. 

The biggest A-Ha moment for me this year so far is that I paint myself with the wrong brush.  Two brushes to be exact.   This was something that came up when my mother and I were having a chat. And it is so true!  It clicked as soon as she said it.  When it comes to my career and getting to be where I deserve, going for what I want and taking risks, I’ll do it.  No holds barred.  I work hard, I have been given some wonderful opportunities lately and I am grateful for them.  I know that I can do an amazing job and I will do whatever it takes to get in the position I want.  My brush is strong, fierce  and paints beautiful colors from top to bottom of the person I am when I step into the doors of my office.   When it comes to my personal life? I must have unconsciously put away that strong handled, assertive brush with all the pretty colors and replace it for a soft, flimsy, old tired brush with nothing but blacks and whites to paint myself in.  Why can’t I use the same vibrant colors in my work life in my personal life? It’s like I’m two different people.  Well, it’s simple.  I didn’t love myself.  I tried so hard, I really did.  But I still carried around the shame and disgust with myself that I did when I was 8 years old.  Even after forgiving him for what he did, I still held on to the blame that a child puts on themselves when they are violated.  When I heard the news that this man had died, I literally felt an enormous weight life off my shoulders.  It felt like I was holding my breath, gasping for air and all of a sudden I could breath in the most luxurious breathe of my life.  That breath changed my thinking almost instantly.

 We all have read books written by some amazing people  and heard Oprah talk about loving yourself.  We all are quick to think, ‘Do I love me?’ only to answer with an easy, off the shoulder, ‘Of course I do’.  But do you really?  Do you really love yourself through your successes and failures?  It can be tough can’t it?  At least it was me.  Now, I am loving all of the gorgeous colors I’m seeing.  Even some colors I have never seen before are appearing, and its fabulous!!

Too much time has passed where I have let others interfere with my journey.  I want to be more than happy.  Happy isn’t even good enough.  I want to be satisfied.  I want to feel satisfaction and fulfillment when I look at myself in the mirror!  The days of cursing myself out while I looked at my reflection in the mirror are gone.  I know I deserve more and now I really feel like it’s happening.  It’s been a struggle and I still am on my journey but I am so pleased that I have this chance to pick up and keep right on going!  I’m very lucky.

My wonderful and amazing friend Sabrina who happens to be one of my oldest friends, wants us to do a 5K walk/run.  At first, I instinctively was against it.  Remember, running the other way in the face of fear…right here, that’s was me!! But after I relaxed myself and really thought about it, I think that this is something I could really do.  Obviously I would walk it.  I am so far from being healthy that walking would be my only option.  But, who cares.  At least I would do it right?  I think I just might say YES!

I recently watch an episode of Oprah’s Next Chapter where she was with Tony Robbins.  One of the segments was Tony and his entire audience, walking over to a parking lot to do a fire walk over some red hot coals.  Crazy right?  Yah, but absolutely amazing!!  Of course our Lady O did it and I can only imagine the freedom she felt when she did it!  I have now added Fire Walking to my Bucket List! 

…..fire walking is a metaphor for overcoming fear.  Tweeted to me be Oprah herself.  LOL I was tickled pink, let me tell you!!

On to new and brighter things my friends!  I hope you will join me on truly living a life that portrays the authentic you!  We can do this together.  Sometimes it’s just knowing that others are there to steady you when you wobble that makes all the difference in the world.  If you need it, I can be that person for you.  We know it’s never easy, what fun would that be? Achieving peace and finally reaching the true you inside is the journey.  Along the way there are hurdles big and small, scary obstacles and maybe a treacherous path but with each battle you win, you gain another ounce of strength to keep moving you forward.  Let’s do this! 

Until we meet again, do something with me.  Instead of automatically jumping to the negative in whatever situation you are faced with.  Stop, breathe.  And before going down the dark path, just think of the positive light that could come of it.  You just never know!

Thanks guys and gals,

Take it easy!

Misty

xo

Life Lessons

Life lessons are all around us.  If we can be perceptive enough to pick up on the subtle pokes they give us, we can learn more and more about ourselves with each passing year.  I don;t know about any of you, but the person I am today is not the person I was this time last year or 5 years ago.We change with the times and if we are truly tuned in to our inner self we can pick up even the slightest of twitches.

Oprah's Lifeclass started last week.  Each week night we can tune in to her program and let one of the greatest teachers teach us. I excitedly awaited each episode with notebook in hand waiting to hear what the latest lesson was going to I made a be and what I could get out of it.  After all, that is what lessons are all about right?  Soaking in what we learn and being able to apply it to our lives. 

The first 2 episodes were about the false power of ego and letting go of anger leading to forgiveness.  How many of us can relate to those?  Something that someone said on that first episode really resonated with me. 

'I don't think anyone can hurt my anymore.  They are only giving me their observation.  I am giving it meaning.'

I can't even say how much this is so me!  I am forever letting other peoples thoughts and opinions affect me in my life.  I have always let these words that spew out of someones mouth dictate how I can going to feel.  I don;t have to like what someone says or even agree with it.  That is there observation.  they are entitled to it just as I am entitled to my own.  When I give meaning to a comment someone says, I am in reality giving them power.  Literally handing them my own power.  I made a promise to myself a long time ago.  I will never let any person have power over me again, ever!  My own lessons learned through having the kind of father I had and living through the childhood I did.  No one was to have that kind of power over me again.  Without even realizing it, I broke my own promise to myself.  Because letting something as insignificant to my own reality as someones opinions get under my skin was just as damaging as letting an over-baring man take away my goodness and innocence.  I have re-made that promise to myself and I am going to do my best to stick to it and not let the words of others bother me again.

This lead to anger and forgiveness.

'Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different.'

I 100% believe that to forgive is for you, not for the person that needs to be forgiven.  Holding on to that anger and hatred for someone or events that took place will never let you move on fully.  To forgive is not saying what happened to you is ok.  To forgive is not giving the person or persons who hurt you off with a slap on the hand.  To be the person who is in a place that you can forgive is saying that you are accepting what happened to you, you know that it can never be changed and you are strong enough to move on and move past it.  It took me awhile to get to a place where I can say I have forgiven.  It doesn't mean that I still don't.  That won;t go away entirely.  But I can say that I have moved on, accepted and don't look back wishing I can change it.
I have forgiven the neighbour who sexually abused me for 3 years.  He took away my innocence, my trust and in place of them gave me many years of self doubt and worthlessness.  By forgiving, I'm not saying it's ok, I'm saying I have moved beyond that point and I'm ok.
I have forgiven my father.  For not being there for me, for turning his back on me when I was at my most vulnerable.  By forgiving him, I'm not saying 'I want you in my life', I'm saying I have moved beyond that point and I don't need that negative influence to succeed in my future.  It still hurts knowing that my own father doesn't love me enough to want me in his life.  That hurts very much.  However, that doesn't define me.  Not anymore.  And I'm ok!

This week, I also learned that you become what you believe.  We need to pay attention to the life that we have right now.  Believe that there is a reason why we are here, now, in this moment. 

'If you can see it or believe it, it is alot easier to achieve it.'

Do you believe that you are worthy of happiness?  I know this can be a tough one for many of us.  Believing that you deserve all of your wildest dreams to come true can seem like wishful thinking, but just knowing that you deserve it is leaps and bounds better then telling yourself it will never happen, not for someone like me.  Because you know what?  I can happen!  To find your true purpose, pay attention to the life that you are leading now.  Know that you are worthy.  You allow  the truth of yourself to express yourself.  If you are a write, whether 15 people or 15 million people read what you wrote, you are a writer. 

'Shadow beliefs are holding you back from the life you deserve.  Escavate and unleash what you really believe.  If its not working for you, change it.' ~ Oprah's Lifeclass

I encourage everyone to tune in to OWN and watch Oprah's Lifeclass.  I promise that there will be at least on episode that you will be able to match to your own life and allow it to have an everlasting impact.  From what I understand, Fridays episodes that they are calling Joy Uprising will be just that.  She will go back and reminisce over previous guests and what moments really and truly were cause for a joy uprising!  For sure a feel good hour, bringing a familiar tear of gladness and joy.  I mean, honestly, just seeing my Lady O back on tv everyday is enough to bring a woot woot of joy and hours upon hours of the happy dance around my apartment.  But even more then that, to again learn from one of my most trusted teachers of life, I am inspired, in awe and in appreciation once again.  Yeah, I'm kind of a fan if you didn't know yet!

Hope you all enjoyed my latest thoughts.  Thanks for tuning in again guys and gals!

Misty

xo

                                                                                                                                      

Live from the heart of yourself

As I'm sure most of you are aware, yesterday was Oprah's finale curtain call. I thought is was done beautifully. Just her and her audience, both in studio and beyond the camera. The show was chock full of life lessons that both she has learned along the way and she has tried to teach us.

'Don't wait for someone else to complete you, Jerry Maguire was just a movie.' How great is that? And how true? How many of us who are single say aloud on numerous occasions that when I meet the right person everything will fall into place. When I meet Mr. Right then my life will be full and make sense. When the perfect woman comes along then I will settle down. How many times can we say the same thing? I'm just as guilty of it as some of you. I always tell myself that if only I had someone in my life I would be happy. Naturally we get lonely and would love to have that other person there beside us to share our lives with but the common misconception that many of us have is that that is the only way we can ever truly be happy and feel the kind of fulfilled life that we all desire. As much as I would love to share my life with someone, to have meaningful conversations with someone and to feel truly blesses and loved from that person, if I never find that, to quote Diana Ross, I will survive. I have to be enough. I am on this new journey by myself. I am taking steps to change my life for the better by myself. And I am going to succeed and overcome any obstacles in my way by myself, on my very own.

'Nobody but you is responsible for your life. You are responsible for your life. What is your life? What is all life? What is every flower, every rock, every tree? Energy. And you're responsible for the energy you create for yourself, and you're responsible for the energy you bring to others.'
I'm still learning this lesson. I think it may be one of the hardest and yet once you get it. Once you really truly get it, it could be the easiest lesson to live. Being honest here, I have shamefully put my happiness in others hands. I have based major life choices on making other people happy. And I have also brought negative energy into my life and the lives of others no doubt. I think this blog is an attempt at bringing some good energy to those who I am privileged enough have read this. I want to reach out and inspire, motivate and uplift whomever I can as I am doing to same to myself. When I motivate myself, I want to in turn do that for you. When I reach a goal, I would love to inspire someone to reach one of their goals. We can all do this. We have the power to achieve our ultimate desires. So if remaining positive, bringing positive energy around me and others gets me to my dreams, that sign me up!

'I've talked to nearly 30,000 people on this show, and all 30,000 had one thing in common - they all wanted validation...They want to know, do you hear me? Do you see me? Does what I say mean anything to you?'
When she uttered these words I can say for sure that the water works really began. She has said it before and I'm sure that the emotions running through me because of the day already but it really struck a nerve with me. We all want to be heard. We all want to know that what we are doing and saying is being taken in by someone else. Speaking as a Survivor who endured some painful childhood events, I grew up never feeling understood. Although I managed to keep my secrets from my family for years, I still felt as though I was being disregarded by them. No matter what I said or did, no one who hear me and maybe no one cared. So I grew up thinking just that. Thinking that no one really sees me so it doesn't matter how big I got, how much I ate. That I was useless and whatever the situation was, it was always my fault. Obviously I was mistaken. I do matter. I am heard. And it was not my fault. I am seen, whether I like it or not. Now I am dealing with being seen when I don't want to be seen because I am so unhappy with how I look. I yearned to be seen as a child so eating was my attempt at that. Now look where that has gotten me. that tells me that when someone is that desperate to be heard, to be seen, they would do anything.

I can't explain this new burning sensation that I feel deep down inside my soul. Yes, it's difficult to get my butt on the treadmill, to not make excuses like 'I'll just do it tomorrow.' But, I'm actually doing it. I know I should be getting on the beast (this is what I have named my treadmill) alot more and I am going to work on this. I am going to set a small goal for the next week. I would like to do the treadmill everyday. No reason why I can't, even if it's for 30 minutes. Any suggestions on other small goals to set? I am always up for comments or ideas on this. I'm learning as I go as any help would be awesome! It'd be great if we can help each other. Come on, take my hand.....

'I won't say goodbye. I'll just say, until we meet again.'

Have a good one guys and gals!

Misty
xo