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

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

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

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