She may have been raised in poverty (wearing potato sacs as dresses), however she was reading and writing by kindergarten! Oprah has lived through numerous hardships including giving birth to a child at age 14, who died 2 weeks later. She was also abused, from the tender age of 9, by family members. Knocking down every pylon in her way, she was determined for success. And although she "has it all", the only thing she can't seem to win over is the scale. Her fluctuating weight is almost a metaphor for the highs and lows she's lived through.
So, if you could ask Oprah Winfrey one question, what would it be? Of course, I have a few questions I'd love to ask her. Knowing that our bodies harbor lots of emotional clutter, my first question is related to her weight issues. For some people, their emotional 'stuff' develops into tumors or ulcers, while for others, it's sheltered in their body weight. Here's my question: "Oprah, you were physically abused as a child, as well as verbally and emotionally abused by your former boyfriends. Do you think your struggle with weight is hindered by deep, emotional scars related to self-love and self-compassion?"
I'd ask Oprah about her weight because it's hard to understand how this woman could be defeated by any challenge. As I know many who struggle with their weight, I could never clearly understand how Oprah hasn't conquered the scale to her satisfaction. It's gotta be emotional baggage, but then again, she's the poster child for expressing your emotions, so I'm so curious about that issue.
As well. I'm impressed with her global power and influence, but I'm fascinated with her childhood. She once claimed that she had chosen not to be a mother because she had not been mothered well. Oprah's mom discouraged her from reading books and refused to take her to the public library, which she loved.
So here's my question: Oprah, do you truly believe that a woman who wasn't mothered well, cannot be a good mother? If so, then please explain the following. You're mother disheartened your passion for reading, yet you continued to read, eventually creating 'Oprah's Book Club'. You proved that you know better than your mom did. The fact that you pursued your love for reading, against your mother's wishes, is ample justification that you're not a carbon copy of her. You're genetically connected, but you're your own person.
We certainly have a connection with our parents that we pass down to our children. However, I refuse to think that women who have been poorly raised, are most likely going to repeat history with their own children. I also believe that the foundation for raising any child is love. If a child isn't loved by their parents, it doesn't mean they'll never know how to love themselves. That's just my "wish I had my own talk show" moment.
Oprah, you're inspiring on my levels. Looking forward to an evening of awkening and learning, by the Big 'O'.
