Oprah Lets Us Know She Is Not Lucky, She's Blessed In 'Elle India' Feature
Elle India was so sure that readers would be able to recognize our queen Oprah in one instant that they decided to choose one of their two magazine covers with mogul facing her back to the camera.
She is on the cover of this month's 22nd-anniversary issue to the surprise of many of us, decked out in beautiful Indian garments that she wears like a second skin.
With the million reasons why to look up to Oprah, the top on my list is how she owns the camera and knows it, so much that she covers her personal magazine every month (I strive to meet the level of self-deserved extraness!).
With all that she's accomplished in a short time here on Earth, it's easy to understand that she's a straight-up boss. However, for those of us trying to get our "Oprah" on during this lifetime, we wonder where this star got the guts to live her truth and walk within her authenticity straight to the top.
Oprah reveals that this realness comes from an understanding of her journey in the not-so-pretty places of the world and life. Here are three takeaways that could help any of us elevate to a higher sense of self and to manifest the life we desire walking into the new year.
Sit Down, Be Humble.
Oprah has every reason to brag, coming from where she came from and going through what she went through. However, the major key is being able to navigate through her charmed life with a lens of gratitude. Oprah reminds us that each piece of your puzzle plays a big part in a beautiful masterpiece. She told Elle:
"If you look at where I was born, where I was raised in rural Mississippi at a time when it was an apartheid state – the chances of me being who I am, where I am…nobody would have believed it was possible. So yes, the lesson is amazing grace does exist."
Growth Is Uncomfortable.
For those of us finding ourselves in defining moments in our lives, whether it be pertaining to our career, love lives, or self-development, Oprah suggests that we lean into the feeling of fear instead of running away from it. We have a tendency to run at the sit of any negative feeling and emotion that arises in us, however, they are vital to observe and work through. She explains:
"Fear is there for a reason, and I don't believe that if you're afraid it means you should do it. Fear means think about it. It means caution, it means to pay attention to what you're feeling until you have the clarity to move forward."
Be Present And Express Yourself.
For some of us feeling stuck in between "I'm doing great" and "I need to go harder," Oprah says to embrace where you are at this moment, but to also find your voice in order to share yourself to the world in the best way you know how. We forget that as Black women we share similarities, but we all have our own uniqueness to share with the world through our passions:
"I feel like we are exactly where we are supposed to be in this moment in time, and all of us who can raise our voices should use them in such a way that we can make part of progress; you will do that in your lifetime, and then the next generation will do that in their lifetime."
The Future Is Female.
The 64-year-old decided to drop some gems on us youngins as per usual, and as for the future, she wants us to continue to boss up, and worry about the boys later! So when you wonder if you are too strong, too ambitious, or too strong-willed remember you are here to take over the world. Who is Oprah without Stedman? Oprah! She shares with Elle:
"The new generation of boys should be raised to believe that girls are their equals, and sometimes, their superiors."
Wherever you are on your journey trust you are on the right course. You are exactly where you ought to be at this moment in time. Strive to be a bigger and better version of yourself and you'll never know. Perhaps people will not need your name, or your face to recognize you on a magazine cover. They'll know you by your voice and your passion.
Make sure to check out Elle India's site and Instagram for more beautiful pictures and the full interview soon! In true Oprah fashion: "You get your life, You get your life, and You get your life!"
Featured image by Bennett Raglin/WireImage
New Jersey native creating a life that she loves while living in gratitude. She loves using beauty, and fashion to create a balanced lifestyle while prioritizing wellness. A devoted fur mom, and a full-time lover of laughter. She is out for revenge against the darkness by being light, taking her own advice, traveling the world, and letting you know that you are so lit! Connect with her via IG @iamzaniah and please visit Zaniahsworld.com
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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6 Spring Events To Boost Your Professional And Social Networks
When spring arrives, we all want to be outside, looking fabulous, and back to socializing. And now is the perfect time to add a few great events to your calendar to get you through the quarter in order to make new friends, build new partnerships, and talk new opportunities to level up.
Spring is a high season for networking and social events for Black women, with many organizations and event entrepreneurs booking prime locations and offering dynamic experiences that you can maximize in whatever way possible. Write down your goals, and get out there. Start with a few of these events between now and the start of summer:
New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, April 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is a 10-day event held over two weekends, bringing together thousands of musicians, craftspeople, and food lovers to share in common threads of culture in the heart of New Orleans. You'll get to enjoy works by artisans local to Louisiana as well as from across the U.S. and around the world.
Black Food Truck Festival, April 26-28
Hosted in Charleston, S.C., the Black Food Truck Festival includes an opening party, access to more than two dozen food truck vendors, and a time to workout with other attendees. Charleston has long been known as a Southern foodie destination, with global recognition due to James Beard-awarded chefs heading popular restaurants there and a renewed focus on Gullah and Geechee culture and food in the region. And what better conversation ice-breaker than to talk about food with a new acquaintance?
Black Women's Mental Health Conference, May 4
Hosted by New York University, this is a one-day event to tackle issues of mental wellness and health that uniquely affect Black women and girls. The keynote speaker for this year is Kim Young, MSW, LCSW, founder of Dope Black Social Worker® and host of the podcast Revolutionary Hoodrat, and leading licensed professionals in the field will offer their insights and share their experiences. And, of course, no college-led event is without time blocked specifically for networking.
Strength of a Woman Festival, May 11-12
Anything with Mary J. Blige headlining or leading is a win, especially if we're talking about women's empowerment and enjoyment. This event will be held in New York City, and beyond the performances from some of our favorites like Muni Long, Jill Scott, and The Clark Sisters, there will be a Gospel Brunch. And even if you're not able to attend or concerts aren't your thing, just being in the city during that time will mean you're bound to run into plenty of other women to network with at local bars and restaurants nearby.
Carefree Black Girl Cookout, May 4
Held in the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., this is a day festival amplifying the voices and brands of Black women entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. There will be vendors, glam and beauty bars, and complimentary meals for the first hour (according to the platform's website). They're hosting another cookout in Philadelphia on May 25.
Black Women Leading Live, May 13-16
Touted as an “intimate retreat + conference,” this Virginia Beach, VA event will be held on a resort and is offering a professional development experience led by Laura Knights, founder of the Black Woman Leading® program and podcast. It’s an ideal fit if you’re a mid-level or senior professional, as the topics and approach are set to cater to those levels of career experience, with coaches and speakers pouring into attendees with a holistic approach.
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Featured image by PIKSEL/Getty Images