“O,” No! … Say It Ain’t So ~ Farewell to Oprah

By: Cynthia Cavendish-Carey

The countdown has begun and daytime television as we know it will change forever in just a few short days. Personally, my TV is usually tuned to CNN while I’m working, but this week marks an event that we must all notice.

Oprah Winfrey announced months ago that she will no longer host “Oprah,” a show of tremendous influence, regardless of whether we have watched it or not. For years, Oprah has been everywhere, providing clout and leadership on everything from what books are must-reads to fashion to personal relationships. She opened herself to the world and our homes, showing tremendous – and endearing – strength and vulnerabilities as she coped with personal tragedies, including abuse and discovering a sister she never knew she had. Her empathy and non-judgment for guests of all races, backgrounds, philosophies, life experiences, religions and ideologies clearly demonstrated that we are one.

I probably only tuned in for a very few of the thousands of hours Oprah graced our living rooms. But, I am a fan. Oprah is our friend. She leads by sitting side-by-side with us … she gets us and understands what it’s like to be human – very human with all the frailties and strengths, hopes and aspirations, heartache and pain that we experience every day.

For years, I subscribed to “O Magazine” and relished in living “my best life.” I watched her interviews with Larry King and Barbara Walters that gave me insights into who this remarkable woman is and who she has become, despite humble beginnings. Even though I am not a regular “Oprah” watcher, it saddens me that this chapter is passing. However, like her, I am hopeful for her future and what she will put out into the world.

The O Network shows promise, especially with her “Master Class” series. This is quintessential Oprah Winfrey in my opinion. Showcasing phenomenal leaders such as Diane Sawyer, Condoleeza Rice, Maya Angelou … even Jay Z, I am mesmerized at the quality of wisdom in these extraordinary lives that grace our country and our world. In fact, we recently incorporated this series with college mentors for a Strong Women, Strong Girls’ key spokespersons media training program. The one thing we have always been able to count on is that Oprah will bring us the lives and the stories that will inspire us to achieve our dreams, overcome our obstacles and live our very best lives.

Yes. It’s sad that “Oprah” will be leaving the airwaves. However, in true Oprah style, I am hopeful that this is just the beginning of a new chapter that will bring fresh perspectives that will continue to motivate us all.

Cynthia Cavendish-Carey is a business and marketing consultant. She is working on her first novel, “Kachina and the Butterfly Maiden,” which is a young girl’s journey to find her own divine feminine.