Oprah’s Life You Want Notes +Takeaways

In addition to the powerful speakers, Oprah came out to do some workbook exercises with us. The first exercise was to close your eyes. Pictures someone you love and write down what you wish for them. I filled the box up with all the wonderful things that I want for Peyton. Oprah told us to look at the list after we were done and that what we wanted for our beloved was what we really wanted for ourselves. So true!

The second exercise was how you see you life. We made a pie chart breaking up different areas of our lives. Family, friends, work, hobbies, spirituality, finances, health and more could make up the circle. Once we completed the circle, you would rate each section with a smiley face, so-so face and a sad face. It was great to visualize the areas you want to work on and what you would like to see in circle. You guys should try it at home.

The last exercise was about choosing your language. I never though about how powerful word can be. I realize now that most of the stuff that we say negative about ourselves is what we made up. No one ever told me I was fat, ugly, lazy, I didn’t matter, no one cared or would never be anything. We tell ourselves these lies. We have to change what we say. Iyanla said even walking around saying “I’m a single mom…” is a negative. Why do we make that sound so negative, like something is wrong with you because you are a raising your child without their father? You sound like you have been defeated. Not to say it’s easy to raise a child alone but you are on a new journey now and you can’t let that hold you back. Try to phrase it differently… “My child’s father is unavailable, how can I help you”. Just think of a different way to say it because you are more than a single mom.