{Recap} Oprah #LifeYouWantATL Tour Changed My Perspective! Friday 19 September, 2014

I want to be very candid before I go into details about the event and all that I have learned from the Oprah Live You Want Tour in Atlanta. I gave you a glimpse in my last post, but this tour literally has changed my perspective. Here is the part where I get candid ::warning extreme rawness here:: So I haven’t been feeling like blogging lately, I know it seems like a I go to a lot of cool events, I live such a glamorous life, I am around all these celeb, doing cool things, being featured in magazine…blah blah blah – all while I am keeping a smile on my face when there is really pain behind it. I don’t feel like I am adequet enough sometime, I feel like I am limited to my circumstances and it is so frustrating. I am not trying to vent or complain, but I have to share this aspect of my life before I go further with this post. Do you know how frustrating it is to look like you are living the life, and behind closed doors there is some other things going on? When life keep throwing you curveballs to mess up everything you are working so hard to get out of, when you don’t feel like you have enough and then what you have doesn’t seem to be enough.

Again, I have been lackluster with the blog lately because deep down I was on the verge of breaking. I am the nicest and most happy-go-lucky person. I don’t get depressed, and to prevent myself from getting depressed I keep moving. I keep going out and proving my worth because I do want to be successful in my career, I show up because I don’t want to give up. But literally I wanted to give up! Like stop moving and going, stop writing, just stop…because I just felt like my personal life is spiraling out of control. I feel like I am working and overworking myself and I know there are results, but it’s not the big results I am getting. I felt like I was going to disappoint myself, that everyone who have all these high-expectations of me will soon lower them.

I am frustrated to be honest, I feel like I have just enough to do the necessities and not enough to do what I really want to do! For example, blogging and vlogging I am not as consistent because I feel like I don’t have the lens I want. That’s right, it sounds crazy but I really want to be able to get a nice lens for my Nikon (my baby) to take better high-quality photos, so when I go to events or even when I want to start my photography services, I am taking the pictures adequately.  Taking pictures is more of a big deal than people realize. Blogging isn’t just some cutesy thing for me, I love the art of photos. So again, I stopped blogging and vlogging for a sec, because I was disappointed in my quality of work. I felt like I wasn’t producing the quality that is a representation of my real creativity and visual appeal. So it was frustrating and I just wanted to go on a break…self-doubt and worth because of a lack of equipment. That is just one thing (but major thing that was bothering me) but again it’s hard for me to quit anything…that is not in my nature.

:: end rant::

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So I knew I was going to the O-town event that featured Carla Hall, but that didn’t include my way into the Oprah seminars. That same doubt that I have been feeling about my blog, about my worth, how much I wanted something I started to think…it’s time to make another one of my visionboard visions a reality. I didn’t even know Oprah was coming into town that exact week until I got my confirmation for the Bounty event. Something compelled me to go to the Oprah site and request for credentials to cover the event. The Event was on a Friday and a Saturday, I applied for the credentials on a Tuesday. In the media world for a huge event, rarely will you get approved on such late notice. And with that, I waited for a responses…I heard nothing. I assumed I didn’t get approved, my blog maybe wasn’t “big” enough for me to cover an Oprah event. As I was about to go to bed to get ready for the Bounty event Thursday night, I get an email at 11:30pm stating I have been approved to cover both days of the #LifeYouWant experience! Immediately I got really excited and amazed that I was approved. My visionboard dream to meet Oprah was going to happen! Oprah was in my city and I had an all-access pass to her tour (with excellent seats)!

The O in the A!

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15175974401_3e115e2b9f_z Of course being in the presence of Oprah was more than amazing! This is the woman I and my mother grew up on! She made daytime television history and she is the epitome of accomplishing the American Dream and beyond. She came from very humble beginnings, but had a strong believe system and work ethic that has made her the powerhouse woman that she is today! Not only is she this American icon, she provided powerful words that stuck with me forever.

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This is just one of many quotables Oprah shared with us all. Oprah spoke on how everyone from Barack Obama, Beyonce, to anyone she started to have encounters with that we usually all have the same theme. We want validation, we want to “matter” to everyone. We want approval and ultimate validation that we are doing something right. Oprah said listen to your inner whispers, they are talking to you for a reason. You should be your own validation, your inner voice is pushing you to pursue your dreams. Get validation from yourself, shift your thoughts out of the negative, and start pushing for the life your want by speaking and living in positive affirmations.

INTERVIEWS AT O-TOWN

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During the O-town experience during the day, I did some mid-day interviews with my blogger friend as a co-host on her show Ihearthatgirl.com. Check out some of our fun interviews as we asked women at the O-town interactive area some random questions during the event! I had a blast!

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I was really having a blast at O-town. The next day as I was hanging with another fellow blogger Courtney Luv to my left (courtneyluv.com) we get approached to do an impromtu fashion show for PeaceLoveWorld clothing line now in the Oprah store. Of course I said yes, I was modeling for Oprah! The clothing line specializes in comfy but cute apparel and we were showcasing some trendy Fall Fashion pieces that was crafted just for Oprah (Peace Love Oprah!).

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All seminar Photo Courtesy of Harpo Studios, Inc. / George Burns

The trailblazers that joined Oprah on the Atlanta tour were Dr. Deepak Chopra “The Life You Want Meditation”, Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat,Pray, Love)  “The Quest”, Rob Bell “Everything is Spiritual”, Iyanla Vanzant “Here’s to Life”. Each trailblazer brought their own perspective and knowledge to share with everyone how to live the Life You Want because they’ve all master how to do that successfully with their own unique stories.

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Black Girls Run! founders Ashely Hicks and Tori Carey were honored with the inaugural Toyota O-Vation Award for the meteoric success of their non-profitt organization during the Life You Want Tour.  Black Girls RUN! was formed by Hicks and Carey to increase the number of African-American women who run, improving their fitness, quality of life, and ultimately decreasing the number of African-American women who are overweight. What began with a blog has grown into a network of more than 150,000 mostly African American women who have joined the nonprofit organization nationwide. Toyota’s “Standing O-Vation” ambassador Amy Purdy presented the women a $25,000 grant. 

TOUR STOPS:

Sept. 5-6                    Atlanta, Georgia                   Philips Arena

Sept. 12-13               Auburn Hills, Michigan       The Palace of Auburn Hills

Sept. 19-20               Washington D.C.                 Verizon Center

Sept. 26-27               Newark, New Jersey           Prudential Center

Oct. 17-18                 Houston, Texas                   Toyota Center

Oct. 24-25                 Miami, Florida                      American Airlines Arena

Nov. 7-8                     Seattle, Washington           KeyArena at Seattle Center

Nov. 14-15                San Jose, California           SAP Center at San Jose

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On my visionboard that I made at the beginning of the year it’s a prominent statement that I cut out that said “Make It Happen” that literally came from the O Magazine. From the magazine to my board, I wanted my statement to come true in all the aspect of my life that I am wishing and desiring. What if I let my little breakdown I had get the best of me and didn’t apply for the Oprah experience due to my emotions? What if I allowed my self-wallowing to miss out on this once in a lifetime experience to be in the presence of Oprah and learn this valuable information. I will say attending this Oprah experience, Life You Want Tour, did not “fix” my problem, but it did change my perspective on it. I am still on a high from all the knowledge I’ve absorbed. Oprah didn’t become a billionaire overnight, and she didn’t have the best of lifestyle’s either before she got her big break. That is why she is such an inspiration for so many people. I Made It Happen, by taking a leap of faith, getting out of my slump and manifested a dream come up. I didn’t meet Oprah personally, she doesn’t know me or my name (yet) but I was happy to be able to enjoy this experience. Don’t give up on your daydream, live the Life You Want just simply shifting your thoughts. Everyday miracles and opportunities are being opened – you have to believe to receive. I am currently still on Operation #KiwiNeedsUpgradedCameraEquipment – somehow I am going to make that happen!

Thank you to Oprah, the Oprah Winfrey Network and all of the panelist for the outpour of positivity and affirmations. It has changed my perspective on a lot. I needed this! I hope you were inspired by this post, and Make It Happen, whatever you are seeking for your life too!

oprahs-tlyww-logo For more information about the tour, visit: www.oprahweekend.com 

About “Oprah’s The Life You Want WeekendHarpo Studios, O, The Oprah Magazine, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and WME Live have joinedtogether for this unprecedented eightcity arena tour and transformational weekend featuring OprahWinfrey and a team of special guests, sponsored by Olay and Toyota On Friday nights, Oprah willtake the stage, bringing her personal story and insights to life in a one of a kind intimate evening.Then on Saturdays, Oprah will lead a daylong gathering of thousands with handpicked thoughtleaders and pop culture icons including Iyanla Vanzant, star of OWN’s hit series “Iyanla Fix My Life,”regular O Magazine contributor, bestselling author and spiritual life coach; bestselling author of EatPray LoveElizabeth Gilbert; and one of Time 100’s Most Influential people, Pastor Rob Bell.Additionally, worldrenowned author and pioneer in mindbody medicine Dr. Deepak Chopra(Appearing in Atlanta GA, Houston TX, Miami FL, San Jose CAand authoMark Nepo (Appearing inAuburn Hills MI, Washington DC, Newark NJ, Seattle WAwill take the stage. 

Love Your Favorite Blogger,

kiwisignature

About the Blogger - Kiwi the Beauty


Kiwi is the free spirited blogger and content creator of KiwiTheBeauty.com. As a digital influencer, she produces creative inspiration around beauty, lifestyle, media and travel leisure. Her life mantra is to make manifesting fun! When she’s not blogging, she is eating trendy hipster food, carrying crystals, making it rain at her local farmer's market and binge brunching. Follow her on her blog and social media at kiwithebeauty.com + @kiwithebeauty


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26 Comments

  • Robin (Masshole Mommy) says:

    I can only imagine what an amazing experience it was to hear her talk! I didn’t even know she was on tour.

  • Melinda says:

    what an awesome experience. looks like a great event

  • Catherine S says:

    What a wonderful opportunity and event to attend. Just keeping taking it one day at a time and you can accomplish all you goals.

  • Your first few paragraphs sound just like me. On social media and the websites my life looks ok. But on the inside I am battling multiple invisible illnesses. It is hard to push through and this past week I have felt like ripping all my websites down and just forgetting it all. I have been blogging for half my life and sometimes I feel like I need to run free. I have tried to get away from it, but I always find my way back. Mostly, because I need to get my words out there. Not just food stuff, but on my other sites as well.

  • Wow, what a wonderful opportunity! Oprah is such an amazing woman!

  • You get to go to the coolest places. I think meeting Oprah would be something really interesting. Love these pictures and videos.

  • Marina says:

    I would love to have been there! I absolutely love Oprah. She’s such a self improvement rock star!

  • deb says:

    Oprah always looks fantastic! I would have loved to attend her tour. Thanks for sharing and for the great photos.

  • Veronica says:

    I actually want her life. Lol. Not really. Must have been nice having her in ATL

  • brett says:

    what an opportunity!! it’s amazing how oprah shares her gifts with the world, and is able to help inspire so many women in so many ways.

  • Theresa says:

    What an amazing opportunity to see Oprah! That’s one you’ll remember forever, I bet! Also, I think all of us bloggers go through that rut every now and again. Chin up and keep chugging along. You’re doing great!

  • Debbie L. says:

    I really believe your trip to Oprah was meant to be. You needed Oprah at this point in your life – so glad you had a amazing time. Good luck in finding yourself and your path.

  • Jeanine says:

    How awesome! I love Oprah! I think it would be super cool to partake in. I just signed up for one of her life class ecourses! Can’t wait

  • Yes, This. I’m happy you went raw for this post, because so many of us bloggers have, or feel this way. What’s my worth is a question I ask myself so often. Thanks for sharing.

  • I think everyone is struggling. I wish that others shared their reality instead of sharing all of the fabulous crafts and wonderful lives they have.

  • Chrysa says:

    What an amazing story! Thanks for sharing it and so glad you got to go. Keep doing what you enjoy and you will keep loving life.

  • Rosey says:

    Oprah is inspiring. I think all of us question what our value is in something, be it blogging or whatever it is we’re doing at the time. I think those periods of question make us stronger/better at whatever it is we are doing.

  • I think it’s really important to do what you want to do professionally with what you have. If you don’t have the lens you want, that shouldn’t hold you back. Lots of people even just use their smartphones to do their vlogs. Best of luck to you!

  • Tonia says:

    The tour is here this weekend and a lot of women are going. It seems like a great experience.Oprah is such an inspiration to many.

  • Now I feel as if you are speaking to me. For the past few days I’ve told my oldest (he’s 17) that I needed to make a new vision board and actually focus on it. It’s been sitting there for a few months empty, I was just blocked. Like you I didn’t feel like I was enough, I didn’t matter. I’m just some tiny blogger and mom to five that has had every curve ball thrown at me. Just yesterday I told a fellow blogger that I needed to get on my vision board. You’ve just sealed what I’ve been saying, it is so cool that your phrase was cut out of O’s magazine and you got to go see her. Congratulations and I know you have to be feeling amazing right now.

  • Ann Bacciaglia says:

    I love Oprah. She was here a couple of years ago and I’m sorry I missed her. Looks like you had a fantastic time at this wonderful event!

  • Kristin says:

    Looks like an amazing experience!I love me some Oprah.

  • Christie says:

    Another wonderful event, I just adore Oprah! Hope to make the Miami event!

  • I’d love to go to the Miami one! I will say that I just went to a blog conference and we did a photography session…and we talked about how it’s okay to not have the equipment we want. Shoot with what we have and try to make it as good as we can. My Nikon is SO old and I just have the kit lens, but I try to do what I can!

  • What an amazing opportunity! Being in the same space with Oprah and receiving those gems of wisdom from her. I’d love to go to an event like this.


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