Last Saturday 4,000 women (and, a handful of men) converged on Kansas City for O You! What's that? It's Oprah University, hosted by O! magazine. O You! is an extension of the magazine's mission to help you, "Live Your Best Life."
I like Oprah just fine, but I don't watch her show very often and only occasionally read her magazine. I think she does an outstanding job of using her significant influence to guide people to positive actions and what she's done for reading in this country is simply phenomenal. But, I wondered, bringing people together for a day of recharge, personal development and fun? Who attends this event? (yes, I went for work.)
Well, I'll tell you ... it's women like you & me and a handful of boyfriends/husbands/fathers/guys. They travel in groups for a girls weekend from across the country to visit, learn, and enjoy from some of O! magazine's (and the show's) top contributing editors. I saw Nate Berkus, Jim Karas, Ross Barton, Donna Brazile, Peter Walsh. And, missed Dr. Oz, Suze Orman (have seen her a few times before), Martha Beck and Stacy London. What a fun day! Makeovers by sponsor, L'Oreal Paris ... food sampling from Soyjoy, Quaker, Truvia ... a nice to recharge and for sponsors to deepen their relationship with a group of women who have the opportunity to talk to their circle of influence differently.
So, while I went for work ... what did I learn?
Nate Berkus (decorating guy): Find inspiration and color in every day things. Use your living space to remind you of beautiful experiences in your life and don't be afraid to change it up. Also, Nate is incapable of cooking. He likened the questions he gets asked about where to start with decorating to how he would feel if someone asked him to cook dinner. And, that boy is cute.
Jim Karas (he's the diet & exercise guy): Eat breakfast. Stop drinking your calories (NO JUICE, 2:1 water to alcohol). All oil has 120 kcal/tsp. so don't use a heavy hand on the olive oil ("Shimmer & glimmer won't make you slimmer.) Consume more protein. NO CARDIO (as in repetitive, sustained) because bouncing is bad, can make you slump and increase injuries (whatever, I'm not giving up running) ... Use interval strength training to minimize injury, increase heart rate & flexibility and boost metabolism. NO CRUNCHES (use pilates and pilates based core strengthening exercises). SLEEP - lack of sleep causes decreased leptin (hormone that tells you when you're full) and increases grelen (hormone that says, FEED ME!)
Ross Burton (the makeup guy): After foundation, do your cheeks first. Too many women keep adding more blush after they do their eyes. If you do your cheeks first, you'll see the balance and won't want to add more color. Also, L'Oreal Paris telescoping mascara is a favorite. Don't be afraid to use fake eyelashes to go from day to night. On foundation - have 2 shades in your toolkit. "Don't get caught in December with your July face." Berry is very in this season for lips. If you're wearing a nude/neutral lip color, line your lips after lipstick. p.s. - Ross was born a St. Anthony Hospital in OKC - his grandparents live in OKC & Langston.
Donna Brazile (for O!, she's career gal): Ok, I'll admit, I was most looking forward to Donna Brazile. I LOVE HER. "Poker skill are transferable." Make a list of ALL of your accomplishments - it's longer than you think and will help you write your own mission statement. Make a list of ALL the people who have made a difference in your life & help you be the person you are today, Then, be that person for someone else. "Keep your carry-on baggage, just not the heavy stuff."
Peter Walsh (the organization &de-clutter guy): Clutter robs you of life. It takes up space and impacts you emotionally, socially, financially, psychologically, and spiritually. "How is clutter an expression of priorities gone wrong?" Clutter is priority distraction. How do you start the declutter process? Envision the life you want and ask what you want from your living/working space. All clutter is not the same, there are two types: 1. Memory clutter (reminds you of important events, achievements, etc.) or 2. I might need it one day clutter (the fondue pot you never use, but just might one day - this example doesn't apply to me, but I do have 2 acrylic ice buckets that were gifts taking up space ...). Clutter keeps you out of the present - either tied to the past or dreaming of the future.
A few quotes from the day:
"Give what you have to someone else. It may be better than you think." - Martha Beck (life coach)
"Feeling good about the way look isn't a privilege, it's your right." - Stacy London (stylist)
"Don't want for someone else to lead you to your right life. It's your right - and responsibility - alone." - Martha Beck
"Don't ignore your inner voice. That guy feeling is your moral compass." - Jancee Dunn (journalist & ethicist)
So, O You! far exceeded my expectations. I went for work to evaluate the event, but came home with so many applicable life lessons, opportunities, tip & tools. Sponsor involvement was great, but not overwhelming. It was a day about inspiration, so a big shout out to everyone who inspires me - thank you.