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Media mogul Oprah Winfrey wowed everyone in attendance when she spoke some really good words via a live event for Anastasia Soare’s “Raising Brows.” What was to be the highlight of the evening engaged the audience in a conversation about how one can change their fears and through one of the interactions was found to be very strong and emotional.
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Winfrey almost took on the role of shepherd at Thursday’s event and, as if Winfrey, the audience was a flock of sheep. The first thing he did was ask a very simple question: what is your fear? The purpose of Winfrey’s research was to allow the audience to turn those fears into “superpowers,” not simply expose them. The incident was a guest @redcarpetmogul who was brave enough to open up and admit that he has been struggling with the social stigma associated with being professionally successful, single and childless.
In that scene Winfrey’s voice was heard saying that she is very similar to a mother but also very direct and honest at the same time. He got right to the heart of the problem by asking why the unflattering opinions of others were so powerful. “The reason it affects you is because it’s inside you,” Winfrey said. However, he noted that if a review doesn’t hit the truth anywhere, it will just bounce around. The “discomfort” he spoke of was the inner signal that one has to work on oneself and, therefore, on one’s healing. The conclusion of his wisdom was his unequivocal command: “Fill your life with your dreams, not their expectations or their dreams.”
Online responses were quick and mostly positive. Many interpreted that the message had come at the right spiritual moment. One Internet user even celebrated the moment with exuberance and proclaimed: “Preach, evangelist Oprah, Hallelujah Winfrey!!!!” This may well be the most eloquent expression of the feelings of many who thought the speech was really like a much-needed sermon. Another person, however, brought a humorous angle to the affected situation by saying: “I hear the organ!!!!!! First Lady O said I HAVE TIME TODAY!” This clever comment highlighted the power and authority Winfrey had in her lecture.
In the comments section, a very articulate user went on to explain the psychological mechanisms of the advice given by Winfrey. The user described the process as a kind of self-reflection and even referred to it as “an archaeologist of our own life.” They continued: “To feel in some way what others think/say/expect is indeed a gift that takes us back to our unhealed wounds. Demanding that others change so that we feel at peace is giving up our power. We have to work it out internally!! ” This comment was very illustrative of the fact that true liberation is found in internal transformation and not external validation or change.
The subtext of acknowledging one’s responsibility for one’s choices was very strong in the responses. One respondent underscored this point of view, saying: “AND LET THEM TALK. We have to learn to own the life we choose. It won’t always be easy, but you have to do what is right for ‘you.'” This sentiment resonated with Winfrey’s core message about personal responsibility and authenticity. Another netizen shared an experience of her own that she considered similar to the universality of the talk, saying: “I’m a mother and I can still feel every word she says. Speak your truth, Oprah.” This highlighted the fact that wisdom was not limited to a particular situation, but was rather an indicator of the universal aspect of the need to live authentically.
The message was not only uplifting but also emotionally liberating for some. One comment showed the deep personal impact: “This spoke to me so deeply and now I’m crying. Thank you ma’am for asking the question and thank you Lady O for giving life not only to her but to so many others.” The raw emotion in this response pointed to the fact that Winfrey’s words had given the speaker a feeling of having been validated and relieved. One more person, however, offered a very brief but very powerful summary of the talk’s conclusion, saying: “Your dreams and not their expectations!”
Most of the comments were light-hearted, but one comment introduced a more complex point of view on the topic of the family and career discussion. The user wished that the conversation had also recognized that wanting a family is as valid as not wanting one. They said, “The only thing I wish was added is that she DOES want a family. And there’s nothing wrong with that either… I hate how society tries to make us choose between a career or a family when you can have BOTH.” This point added depth to the discussion, emphasizing that the
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This event reminded many of Gayle King’s close friendship with Oprah. Winfrey’s approach to career setbacks often reflects the Johnny Appleseed rule that her husband shared with her. Her wisdom has been shaped by influential figures like Maya Angelou, whose books impacted her deeply. Winfrey continues her tradition of supporting authors, like when she surprised Megha Majumdar with a book club selection.
