Photo: Greg Paupst/Tinepublic Inc.
I am confident in most things that don't require mathematical or technological skills. In those areas, I'm not just challenged—I'm functionally illiterate. I have actually had to call for help to get my TV turned on. (Input, schminput.)
On the other hand, when it comes to matters of the heart, emotion, connection, and speaking in front of large audiences, I thrive. A genuine vibrational thing happens between me and whoever I'm engaged with: I can feel them and sense that they are vibing right back with me.
A few months ago in Calgary, I spent two hours talking to a stadium of 14,000 people about finding your calling and your purpose and learning to listen to life's whispers. Afterward, CBC television host George Stroumboulopoulos asked me, "What is this thing you have going with the audience?"
I didn't have an answer then, but I've thought about it, George, and I recognize that what brings me the greatest confidence is a willingness to be vulnerable. It's knowing for sure that anything I've been through or felt, someone else has, too, and probably more so. It's knowing that all our mistakes have meaning. And that being open to learning from those mistakes makes the difference between succeeding and getting stuck.
Dr. Brené Brown, in her book Daring Greatly, speaks about how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love and, so importantly, parent. She says, "Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experiences."
I recognize that the great connection I feel to O readers and everyone I speak to, whether in person or on TV, stems from knowing that when it comes down to what really matters, we are all on the same path.
Ultimately, we all want the same thing: a fulfilled life. And the confidence to be wholly, completely ourselves.
More What Oprah Knows For Sure
On the other hand, when it comes to matters of the heart, emotion, connection, and speaking in front of large audiences, I thrive. A genuine vibrational thing happens between me and whoever I'm engaged with: I can feel them and sense that they are vibing right back with me.
A few months ago in Calgary, I spent two hours talking to a stadium of 14,000 people about finding your calling and your purpose and learning to listen to life's whispers. Afterward, CBC television host George Stroumboulopoulos asked me, "What is this thing you have going with the audience?"
I didn't have an answer then, but I've thought about it, George, and I recognize that what brings me the greatest confidence is a willingness to be vulnerable. It's knowing for sure that anything I've been through or felt, someone else has, too, and probably more so. It's knowing that all our mistakes have meaning. And that being open to learning from those mistakes makes the difference between succeeding and getting stuck.
Dr. Brené Brown, in her book Daring Greatly, speaks about how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love and, so importantly, parent. She says, "Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experiences."
I recognize that the great connection I feel to O readers and everyone I speak to, whether in person or on TV, stems from knowing that when it comes down to what really matters, we are all on the same path.
Ultimately, we all want the same thing: a fulfilled life. And the confidence to be wholly, completely ourselves.
More What Oprah Knows For Sure
From the April 2013 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
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