25 Reasons why I love Oprah - Number 24: She loves her man

Reason 24: She loves her man

Oprah and Stedman have been together a long time. Especially in terms of show business relationship cycles. As busy and demanding as her job and lifestyle are (I'd imagine it's pretty hard to run a media empire) she's always valued her relationship. And he's a great man who has always supported her. Just like my Ryan. Best of all, they're a real life couple who laugh at and correct each other. I hope they have more opportunity to enjoy one another's company after the show wraps.

25 Reasons why I love Oprah - Number 25: She's a journalist

I've decided to create a countdown in honor of Oprah's exit at the end of the month. It would be literally impossible (logistically and emotionally) for me to encompass all that she is and what she has meant to me and millions of other viewers in a single post. With that said, I plan to post a small Oprah "aha moment" or tidbit each day leading up to the final show on May 25th. This is my tribute to the lady I've grown to know and admire, but wasn't able to ever physically see. I hope that fans and haters alike will browse through these posts and relish the experiences so many of us have shared through The Oprah Winfrey show over the past 25 years.



Reason 25: She's a journalist





I've always loved to write and learn new things. Though my career choice was undeniably influenced by Oprah's example I always imagined our common interest and ability in the field would bind us together. Yeah, I know, if that was the criteria it would also bind the two of us with two gazillion other wannabees. I'm different though. She had a radio job when she was 19, so did I. Our paths have been similar. Maybe one day they will cross. Until then, here's to the O.

25 Reasons why I love Oprah - Number 23: Nate Berkus

Reason 23: Nate Berkus



This post shouldn't need much explanation. Nate is adorable and uber talented. Yes, I wish that he could be my on call decorator and make every apartment (and one day house!) I live in a beautiful sanctuary, but we all know that's not gonna happen. What's better than having Nate at my fingertips is knowing that his appearances taught all of us how to make our homes more comfortable and reflective of our true selves in simple ways. He did more than decorate rooms. Like Oprah, Nate changed lives and managed to stay gorgeous through it all.

25 Reasons why I love Oprah - Number 21: "Everybody gets a car!"

Reason 21: "Everybody gets a car!"

I remember the premiere episode of season 19, the "Wildest dreams" season not only because it started with an instantly world renowned car give-a-way but because my little brother was in intensive care. Austin had just had steel rods placed in his back and was having a rough recovery. My parents were tired and worn, spending every moment at Austin's side and school had recently started for Jake and I. Regardless of what was going on in life, we were all worried.

I turned on Oprah that afternoon, like I had so many times before and since, not knowing how the show would touch me. I didn't mind that I wasn't one of the people that got to run from the studio out into the parking lot to claim their gift, I didn't want a car, I wanted to spread joy. While chaos ensued, when ever possible I looked for Oprah and literally saw the combination of joy and generosity radiate from her. If I was able I would share that kind of joy and excitement with anyone and everyone I could. In that moment I wanted to share that love, hope and generosity with my family who was in need of a supportive buoying spirit. Oprah taught me just what she intended to that day, that dreams do come true and that hope and generosity induced happiness still exists. I hope to one day be responsible for the generous impetus that begins a never-ending  joyful and thankful domino effect. 
(Feel free to stop the clip after once the rapping starts. Not everyone can be Will.i.am if you know what I mean.) 

25 Reasons why I love Oprah - Number 22: "Oprah's Big Give"

Reason 22: "Oprah's Big Give"

Remember this, anyone? Can we say, shades of OWN? We all should have noticed Oprah's extracurricular television activities with the debut of her own reality show, "Oprah's Big Give" in early 2008. It did what no other reality show has done, pitted people against one another in a competition to determine who could be the most generous of them all.

My favorite memory of the show is when a contestant bought out all the flowers a street vendor had and then handed them out to people as they were driving by. It still brings a smile to my heart. I plan to do that someday.
 
I think we could use more of that kind of insight in the world today. Which we can, through OWN, for now at least. "The Big Give" didn't garner great ratings and was canceled after just one season. I hope a similar fate doesn't await the network. So, give a little. If you have the channel please check it out and support the uplifting programming!