Dish-Houston

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR MARCUS B. CARTER:

 

I don’t think one is ever fully prepared to experience the greatness that is Oprah Winfrey!  When I found out I received tickets to her Houston “Lifeclass” I was overwhelmed with emotions.  Oprah is truly one of the biggest inspirations of my life and to have an opportunity to experience her energy up close was tremendous. I have also been a huge fan of her Lifeclass series, and find them to be some of her most pertinent work in inspiring America.  To my surprise we would be taping 2 shows that Morning.  The first was “The Power of I am ____________” and the second was “Dreaming Big”.  Her expert on stage was none other than Houston’s own Pastor Joel Osteen who helped her frame the topics of each show. 

 

 

The first show “The Power of I Am__________”  was about understanding the power of your words.   It was stated simply` that you are whatever follows “I am ______”.  BRILLIANT!   When you speak phrases like “I am tired” or “I am broke” you are psychologically affirming those conditions.   Osteensays, “Whatever follows “I Am” will come to find you!”   You should replace the negative “I am’s” withpositive affirmations like “I am creative” or “I am surrounded with abundance” and best of all “I am successful”.   Interestingly, Oprahmentioned that women often find it hard to utter the words “I am Beautiful”.    She encouraged women to look at themselves daily, and affirm their beauty with words.  SIMPLY PUT, words have power!  You must be conscious about what you SAY, and specifically WHAT YOU SAY about yourself.   

 

The second show dealt with “Dreaming Big” which hit a bit too close to home for me.  Osteen and Oprahbantered about how holding back from pursuing a dream can be detrimental to your life.  They encouraged viewers not to procrastinate or get comfortable with just an “ordinary” existence. David Otunga, Jennifer Hudson’s fiancé Skyped in to further drive this point home. Otunga, said his Harvard Law degree and the high paying law firm were not enough for his life.  He found himself unhappy withhis career, because he always dreamed of being a professional wrestler. With his mother’s blessing, he abruptly quit his job and pursued a professional wrestling career, stepping out into an unknown existence. This decision yielded him not only great wrestling success, but he has now transitioned into movie roles and wider opportunities as an entertainment personality.  The lesson of this class was to dream boldly, and not to be afraid to pursue your passion.

 

Overall, the experience was truly life changing.  Lately, I have found myself working very hard to be cognizant of the words leaving my mouth, and grappling with avenues to my passions.  I feel honored to have received a 6^throw opportunity to take a class from one of the greatest teachers, Ms. Oprah Winfrey.  I now feel obligated, to pursue my dreams BOLDLY!  Are you willing to change the way you speak about yourself and how you peruse your dreams?  Are you willing to fervently pursue the dreams that you have pushed to the back of your proverbial closet?  If so, I wish you much success on the first steps to an exciting and more fulfilling life.