Some of Life's Lessons from Oprah and I....

Last weekend, I was able to watch part 2 of Oprah's Masters Class and the lessons she shared were invaluable. Sometimes, I find that the best lessons learned are when you're least expecting it. As I watched, I couldn't help but take notes to revel in the quotes that were speaking to my spirit.  Here are some of Oprah's quotes partnered with my explanations. 

• All of life is about growing to your own personal best- For me, this screams "do you!"  Life isn't about becoming as good as or better than someone else.  It's about evolving into a better you.  True growth and success happens when you surpass yourself.
• Grow to greatness.  Your "whisper" to move on comes when you stop growing and changing.  Life is about growth and change- I believe that this is one of the best quotes out there.  No one wants to (or should want to) grow into a place that isn't positive.  That whisper that Oprah mentions is that internal nudge that lets you know that your time in your present place is up.  It's when you realize that you're done with where you are and have more to offer where you'll be.  Those whispers, turn into nudges and screams, and where you are in the future, depends on if you listen to the whispers...and move.
• Anybody pretending to be anybody other than who they really are, will never be successful- No matter how many people you fool, you can never fool God and yourself.  The truth always comes to light and the truth of your nature will come to the surface.  Be true to who you are and everything will fall into place.
• The moment you surrender...the moment things happen.  LET GO.- During the episode, Oprah explained the moment that she let go of the idea of being in The Color Purple and how pivotal that moment was in her life.  I think that's so important.  I have exercised truly letting go myself, and have realized that when it's done of nothing but truth and sincerity, things always fall into place.  You must GENUINELY surrender and give control to God. Only then, will things truly happen. 
• Your intention rules your life and determines the outcome.  "To whom much is given, much is required." (Luke 12:48)- You may not know every verse in the BIBLE, but you have probably heard this one several times.  It speaks nothing but the truth.  Often times, people assume that when they reach a certain point in life or have a certain amount of money, everything will be perfect.  The truth is, the more money and success (in any form) that you have, the more that people, life, and God will expect from you.  Understand and accept that and you will be given more.
• Don't waste your time looking back at the other guy to see where they are in the race.- You waste time when you look back, but it's an even bigger waste of time to look back just to gauge where somebody else is in the race.  Focus on your goals and your path.  Where they may appear to be, may not be where you need to be.  It may be the same race and same goal, but the personal journey matters the most.
• You become what you believe- This is simple.  What you believe, is what exists for you.  If you believe you are destined for greatness, you are.  If you believe you won't succeed, you won't.  Your thoughts dictate your actions and your life. 
• You are not alone in your experiences- Although you may feel alone in the darkest of places, remember that there are others who share similar, if not worse experiences.  Find solace in knowing that it's a part of your story, and you'll get through it like so many others have.
• We are all teachers- I've always said that I never wanted to be a teacher.  Even though I'm not a teacher in the formal sense, I find that in being a life coach, a counselor, an author, and a speaker, I teach all the time!  Every conversation, every article I write, every session, is an opportunity to teach.  If you think about it, you will realize that you probably teach as well.
• Stay true to your calling- Do the things that you want to do.  Fulfill your passions and desires.  Don't follow the dreams and rules that others have set for you.  Stay true to yourself.
• Everything you put out, comes back- God. Karma.  What goes around, comes around.  Whichever way you put it, it all means the same.  Do things with good and genuine intent, and that's what you'll get in return.  The same truth holds for the opposite.
• "When your personality comes to serve the energy of your soul, you have authentic power."- Gary Zukav- Oprah quoted this from Gary Zukav's book "Sea to the Soul" and is on my list of must-reads.  Beautiful quote! 
• God can dream a bigger dream for you then you can dream for yourself.- This is the most important quote.  I'm a firm believer in God and what He can do.  He doesn't limit anything for us and we shouldn't limit ourselves in our thoughts.  Whatever you desire to do...YOU CAN.  Just keep working hard, trust, and BELIEVE!  

This week, I encourage you to put these quotes up or find some that inspire you.  Life may be hard at times, but keep pushing!  Use these quotes, kinds words, and verses, to keep you motivated.  Always remember it's only a matter of time: God rewards diligence and faith.

Until next time...keep the forward movement....