The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) may not be a success, but some shows are obviously taking center-stage on the network. It shouldn’t be a surprise, but the shows that are doing well are the shows where Oprah’s touch is evident. In these cases she’s either doing the interview as in, “Oprah’s Next Chapter”, or “Oprah Winfrey’s Master Class”. It’s the later that caught my attention last night when the guest of the show was the famous actress, activist, and fitness guru, Jane Fonda.
If you haven’t seen the show it allows the guest to speak about their life dividing the segments into “life lesson” segments. The show is tasteful, insightful, and inspiring. When I was listening to Jane Fonda speak last night I kept my notepad close by waiting for those bits of wisdom that would get me to think about my own life in a new way. The lessons that caught my attention were: Allow your vulnerabilities to show; we’re not meant to be perfect, we’re meant to be whole; and Empathy is revolutionary!
This got me thinking about all the client/participant stories I’ve heard over the years and the lessons I’ve learned from all of you. On the other hand, I started wondering what it would be like if I put you in front of a camera for an hour and you got to distill your life down to four or five pivotal life foundations. This is very different than conducting a life review because it’s not about summing up your life at the end; it’s about punctuating those things that have made you who you are today!
I believe this can be a great part of your health and healing journey. After your diagnosis you may have began to reflect on your life, your experiences, relationships, and adventures. What have you taken from each of those experiences that will support your journey to wellness. One of the things that Jane Fonda made very clear is “It’s never too late!” That would mean that even for you, getting a diagnosis of a chronic or life-altering illness doesn’t have to be an end, but a beginning. It can be a launch pad for your new life.
What would you impart to us if you were filming your own Master Class for the Oprah Winfrey Network? What do you believe are the most important, helpful, inspiring lessons you’ve learned that will propel your life and ours forward?
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 