I started writing a different blog yesterday but it just didn’t feel right for this week. While talking to my mom about my need for inspiration, she suggested I write about Oprah.  I won’t tell you how we got to that point, but we got there and, well, let’s just move forward and not question that decision-making.

Now, back to the blog….

Oprah, or as my friend Marilyn once called her, “Hope-rah,” is a force to be reckoned with.  She is the ultimate, non-red headed orphan version of the rags to riches story.  Her resume includes everything from broadcasting to acting to now owning her own magazine and television network – Annie and friends could only be so lucky.  All of us could be so lucky.

Standing at the beginning of my career in journalism while agonizing over the lack of response to my job applications, I asked myself, “What would Oprah do?” I’m sure many people not even in the journalism industry have asked themselves the same thing.  I mean, really, how does one go from being a poor girl living in the South to becoming one of the richest people on this planet? It’s dumbfounding, but apparently possible to accomplish. (Here’s a link to her story in case you’re interested: http://bit.ly/Qdj3M)

So now let’s go back to my conversation with my mom about Ms. Winfrey.  We didn’t talk about Oprah’s fame or fortune.  We didn’t even mention her background or her future.  What immediately came up in our conversation is what Oprah does with her wealth: she gives it away.

Interesting.

The key to becoming wealthy like Oprah is to give it all away.

So simple, yet it’s sometimes so difficult to do.

But let’s think about this for a moment.  Oprah, while famous for her many accomplishments, is probably more well known for her annual “Favorite Things” episodes on her talk show.  Come on, you know you’ve heard at least one person you know joke around saying, “You get a car! And you get a car!” I say it pretty often in my nearly spot-on Winfrey warble.

This year, when no one thought it was possible, she upped her giveaway game by sending her entire audience on a trip to Australia – and that was on top of giving away more cars, Apple products, and everything else including the kitchen sink (I’m sure it was in there somewhere).

The best part about these “favorite things” episodes was watching people just lose their minds! Strangers embraced each other, people started dancing and jumping in the aisles, and best yet, they would scream and pull at their hair.  It was extreme mayhem.  I can only compare what I saw on tv to what it’s like being right smack dab in the middle of a boy band concert.  Don’t hate, just appreciate.

Eventually, the camera pans back to Oprah and you see this look of exhilaration and emotion on her face.  She is pleased to please and looks as though she truly enjoys her role as a real life fairy godmother.

People have come to expect this giving attitude and action of Oprah.  They expect it not because they are benefactors, but because they have watched her give of her time, talents, and resources over the years.  She doesn’t just give away cars and trips – she’s not a game show – she gives an ear to listen, a voice to the voiceless, and, when necessary, words of comfort and advice to others in and outside of her studio.  That to me is encouraging because that means anyone can be Oprah.

As much as I would love to give away cars, houses, and the occasional makeover to friends and strangers, I can’t fund what my heart wants to bestow.  I do however have time to listen, encouragement to dish out, and plenty of other non-material resources to offer.  And, when the pocketbook allows, I can whip up a pretty awesome care package to brighten someone’s day.  It’s true.  I have supernatural cornbread making and cd mixing abilities. =)

I encourage you to ask yourself every day “What would Oprah do?”  Maybe you can give away a car (do it!) or maybe you can only give away a hug (do that too!).  But whatever it is you have to give, give it away.  You’ll soon find that success has more to do with what you give than what you take.  I’m sure my girl Oprah would agree. =)

As a bonus for all you Oprah fans, here’s a hilarious remix of “You Get a Car.” You might want to fast forward through the first minute to get to the good stuff.  Enjoy!