BEST LIFE 2009

Why do we love Oprah?  Because she's honest.  Because she's one of us.  Oprah's first show about living your best life was about the battle of the bulge.  Oprah has gained 40 pounds over the last year and she's miserable about it.  Why?  Well, like the rest of us, it's hard to admit you have failed.  She lost the weight and now it's back.  We know that pain.  We know what it's like to go to your closet and not have anything to wear because you have put on weight.  Oprah's got fame and fortune, but it meant nothing she said because "she is still talking about her weight."  She's mad and embarrassed.  

Yes, she has a thyroid problem (uh, yep, her viewers knew it before she did or before her doctors- go, viewers!!).  And yes, she conveniently tried to blame it on the thyroid.  It's so nice to have an excuse.  To be able to say it's not my fault.  And Oprah did give in to that mentality.  Fortunately, she has good friend, Bob Greene, to set her straight.  Yes, the thyroid problem makes this a bigger challenge, but still a challenge and not a defeat.  And then there's the deeper issue: Being in Balance in your life.  That was the bottom line for Oprah and so many others.  Life out of balance means you don't put yourself first and ultimately you end up last. And in this case, overweight.  So Oprah's 2007 was a rough one for her.  In retrospect, she did have a little of her shine gone when I saw her in April.  Oh, there was still the O Glow, don't get me wrong; but she wasn't fully Oprah.  I also need to pause to say that this hour show consisted mainly of Oprah just talking into the camera.  IT WAS GREAT! I love listening to her.  Other side note:  Carnie Wilson was on via satellite, not Skype; has it been laid to rest?  Let's hope.

Well, in typical Oprah style, she addresses her issue and shows us how to get back on track along side her.  You know what has to go? Excuses.  You know what needs to happen? Balance.

Bottom line: figure out what's wrong and fix it.  Don't give up; don't let difficult situations make you quit.  Put yourself on the top of your priority list.  This way you'll want to be healthy and live your best life.  A friend told Oprah "your overweight self is not craving food, but love."  So give yourself love.  Yes, be thankful for the body you have because it is working for you even if you are overweight, but don't forget to love that body too and get healthy.

You may need a schedule.  You may have to set aside time for yourself.  You will have to eat right and exercise.  The more you do, the better you'll feel.  Love yourself enough to do it.   Don't just give your love to others, even if that makes you feel good.  You have to give love to yourself in 2009.  Ask yourself what are you really hungry for (not what do you want to eat)?   Are you hungry for balance? And what does that mean?  There may be something missing.  Are you finding pleasure in food instead of in the areas like your relationships, your family, your career?  So don't make this year just about what are you going to eat; make this a year of giving yourself love instead of food.

Bob Greene says there are certain things you need to ask yourself.  Number one is as basic as it gets: Why are you overweight?  It's not because you like a certain food; there's a deeper issue.  Get to it.  Maybe you are unhappy.  Maybe you are looking for joy.  Next question: What are you really hungry for?  (which sounds like number one, but isn't)  In other words, what are you looking for in life that hasn't come your way?  Also, Why have you been unable to maintain weight loss in the past?  Why have you failed?  Remember you have to care about yourself everyday.  Finally, why do you want to lose weight?  

Next week, there is an on line web cast about living your best life.  Go to Oprah.com to learn more.  Get a plan.  Love yourself.  Be healthy and lose that weight.  Do it with Oprah; because bottom line, she's one of us.