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

Hello 2012

Happy New Year to one and all.  I wish everyone an amazing 2012 full of joy and realized dreams!!!

I know many of us have sat and pondered over another year that has yet again flown by.  We have reached some goals and even made some strides in our lives to be successful and truly happy.  We also have had heartbreak, let downs and disappointments. 

For me, last year most definitely had its ups and downs.  I had some great accomplishments, learned more about myself, let myself down, broke promises that I made to myself and laughed and cried along the way.  I had some career wins that are about to open up some new doors for me.  I was able to watch my beautiful niece grow up another year, watching her experience new things, see how incredibly intelligent she is for such a little girl and build the bond with her that I moved back here to build.

Once we reflect on the year behind us, we can then focus on the year ahead.  We have another 365 days to make things happen, be happy and do the things in life that we have want to do. 
I know the areas where I succeeded and failed in.  I know what worked, what didn't and what deserves another shot.  It's all about second chances, knowing where you can test the waters again on something perhaps or going back to the drawing board to start over. 

My hope is that 2012 will be a year that gives me more joy and happiness then grief and disappointment.  Sadly, no one comes with a manual written about their life.  So we are put to the test.  We are challenged everyday with making the right choice, going here and there.  Hoping that the decisions we make will guide us to the outcome we desire. 

I've already made some decisions for the year ahead.  I have started to lay down a path to new roads and of course new obstacles that I will have to hurdle over to get to the path that I want to take.  I am up for the challenge.  I am excited to take on a new journey.  I think when areas of your life become clear, that allows some of the fogginess to lift and you can see just a little bit farther down the line.  You obviously can't see the whole road, but little by little, things make sense and with each clear step you take, it gives you solid footing.  That confidence and comfort helps you in the times where you may question yourself.  Do I go left or right?  Do I take a step back or do I keep going straight ahead?  You go on faith, believing that you are making the best choice for yourself in that moment.

There is always talk about New Years resolutions.  Some people make them, others don't feel the need to put any expectations on themselves.  I have usually been one to make a resolution and never stick to it.  Most years, it had to do with losing weight, getting healthy, being happy.  This year, I have resolved myself to this....

One can’t flourish and grow with negativity and hatred surrounding them. Time to stop accepting blame others put on me. I will not carry someone elses burdens on my shoulders, allowing it to overpower me. I will no longer accept the false judgements anymore. I will not accept the excuses of others’ lack of respect towards me. Because I deserve more! 

Time to kick some ass and start taking names.  Like my Lady O and Ms Maya say, 'When you know better, you do better'.  I do know better this year and I am going to strive to do better.  I am going to strive for greatness because I have that within me.  I have that strength inside of me.  The power of being a survivor is a magnificent thing and I don't want to squander that anymore.

So here is to 2012 being everything that we want it to be and more.  I wish you blessings and happiness!!!

Much love,

Misty
xo

Times A Changin'

I'm learning. Lately, I feel like I'm learning something new almost every day about myself. Recently, I've learnt that my wants and dreams are changing. Compared to the desires I had as a young adult in my early twenties just about to dip my toes into the real world, now things are completely different.

My outlook on what is right, not right....all changing. Even my own disapproval with myself is changing. Thinking that I wasn't good enough or that I just wasn't deserving of happiness enough. I think the things I am looking for to make me really and truly happy are new to me. Different.
I don't easily get deterred anymore either. If anything I feel more focused and I guess you can say more stubborn.

As a young 20 something, I had envisioned my adult life to be easy to come by. I think I just assumed that because I had some traumatic events happen to me as a child, that automatically put me in a spot where I should just have something good because I paid my dues so to speak. Even though my self esteem was shot, I really think that I expected good for me from others. What a rude awakening. I still believe beyond any measure that I am owed a wonderful and happy life but whats changed is my awareness that I have to work at getting that. Nothing is handed to you, no matter how many painful dues you've had to paid. As a matter of fact, you may have to fight even harder for what you want. And I'm ok with that now. I want to fight. I want to give it all I can and then some because in the end, all the fighting and struggling will make my victories that much sweeter!

The strength that I have within me is something to be admired. I know this. At times I don't allow myself to believe it because I am my own worst enemy, but deep down I know it's there. I can feel it. Even when I try to push it down, keep it out of sight so I don't have to try, it still reaches up and pokes me, letting me feel it's presence.

The course that I find myself on now is one of hurdles, obstacles, surprises around the bend and a sense of acceptance for myself. I can visualize all the goodness that I have within and match it to all of the happiness I know is out there waiting for me.

I'm grasping the concept that I alone make my dreams come true. I chose the paths I take, the direction I follow to get me to that place where I can one day sit back, kick my feet up and smile the smile that says 'I've made it. I'm here and it was all worth it.'

We all want that, don't we?

Keep fighting the good fight my lovelies!

Misty
xo