I was glued to last night’s Golden Globe Awards 2018 for 2 main reasons:

One: The incredible solidarity found in the sea of all black attire that literally took my breath away #TimesUp (To learn more about the cause to end sexual assault, harassment, and inequality visit TIMES UP NOW website HERE)

Two: Oprah, ‘nuff said.

The Backstory

I grew up on the school of Oprah. You guys know how much I love and idolize the great Oprah Winfrey.  She taught me everything I know about living with a grateful heart, overcoming every obstacle, and learning to persevere through it all. Growing up with absentee, albeit super hard-working parents, I never had their mentorship to guide me through life’s complicated hurdles. Sure, I received prompt attention for good grades and the tender, loving care they equally provided to all 5 children, but what I felt I lacked during my teenage years was guidance.

Growing Up

I was left to my own devices; stumbled through most of middle and high school and what I learned quickly on was that I was SOLELY responsible for my own success.  While highly competitive and always very studious (I can thank two years in G.A.T.E. for that) I became obsessed with rounding out all facets of my individuality: Mind, body, and spirit.

There was only one person I trusted to lead the way and that was Oprah.

Old Habits Die Hard

It was Fall going into freshman year at university that I started to record daily episodes of the Oprah Winfrey show. I juggled being a full time student with a full time job, worked all day, studied in between breaks, and ended every night with 1 episode of Oprah before bedtime. No matter the context of the episode (real life tragic stories, celebrity interviews, Dr. Oz health tips, Nate Berkus’ decorating advice etc.) there was ALWAYS a moral to the story as I carried these lessons with me into adulthood.

I was 18 years old when I developed my new routine.

The Golden Globes 2018

Fast forward to present day and I was literally moved to tears after watching Oprah accept her honorary Cecil B. Demille award at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards ceremony.

Here’s a brief excerpt from the now infamously trending speech that inspired today’s post:

“At this moment, there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this award,” Winfrey said Sunday. “I want all the girls watching to know: A new day is on the horizon. When that new day finally dawns, it will be because of the magnificent women and many of them are in this room tonight.”

“Speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have,” said Winfrey. “I am especially proud of all of the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories. Each of us in this room are celebrated because of the stories we tell and this year, we became the story.”

Read the rest of Oprah’s Golden Globes speech HERE.

Shop the Look

Top: Shein | Bottom: Joe’s Jeans | Boots: Tod’s | Bag: Chanel | Hat: Nine West | Sunnies: Gucci | Lips: Lorac

Top 8 Lessons I Learned from Oprah

I have watched over 2,000 episodes of the 4,561 Oprah Winfrey Show episodes ever aired.  That’s over 2,000 life lessons that I have yet to share with you all!  Not including today’s Master Class, Life Class, and Super Soul Sundays I currently watch on OWN, lol. It’s safe to say, I’ve learned a thing or two in these past 19 years and now I want to share with you the TOP 8 Lessons I learned from Oprah!

1. Send out positive vibes, all day, EVERY DAY. Your emotions pulsate with energy that resonate through the universe. What you spread out is what you’ll receive in return. There’s no point dwelling on the negative. Give love, get love.
2. You are in control of your life. You have no control over others so don’t let what they do, say, see, or feel negatively affect how you react. Pushed to the point of no return? Breathe deep, count to 10, relax and retreat. There is power in composure.
3. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time. (From Maya Angelou, reiterated by Oprah). In an abusive relationship but don’t know how to get out? You gave him the ok to treat you that way, otherwise you still wouldn’t be there. Belief in yourself is paramount to belief in another person’s susceptibility to change. See lesson #2.
4. Expressing gratitude is the secret to life’s success. The more you celebrate life, the more there is in life to celebrate. A simple thank you goes such a long way.
5. Authenticity is the only truth I seek. I’d rather be surrounded by real, raw, flawed individuals than studio, fake phony tricks whose sole purpose is to keep up with the Joneses. Live a life of comparison and watch your life waste by. There is only one truth in this world and that is honesty with yourself and with others.
6. There is no such thing as failure. Failures are successes disguised as speed bumps.
7. It is never too late. Every day brings a chance to start all over again. Doesn’t that just make you feel so hopeful for a better, brighter future tomorrow? It sure does for me in my old age, lol. I started blogging over 7 years ago but if I had to start all over again, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Imagine collecting all the wisdom and experience of years past and redistributing them into the best version of yourself for the future.  Sounds like the promise of a lifetime to me!
8. Your purpose in life is to find your purpose in life. This lesson had eluded me until I turned 30. I spent much of my 20’s in complete denial because I never knew how imperative it was to find your true calling until Oprah spelled it out. Passion plays a huge part in what your purpose truly is.  Follow your passion and you will find your purpose. It is only when you find your purpose with laser-like focus that answers come easier to life’s most complicated uncertainties.

Oprah for President 2020 guys!!!!

This time I know for sure…  #Imwithher !!!!

Did you catch the Golden Globes 2018? What did you think of Oprah’s speech?

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN’