July 22, 2015

The Oprah We Know And Love...


For the better part of three years I have written often about the massive failure on the part of women's mags to bring the reader images that, at the very least, appear to be realistic. You may recall the blog I wrote about the day my subscriptions of GQ and Vogue arrived in the mailbox. The covers were so grossly different, shedding a glaring light on the exaggerated use of photoshop to create the "ideal" image of the already stunning Gwen Stefani, who happened to be on the cover of Vogue. Yet GQ opted to go with a charmingly lined and expressive Bill Murray on its cover. Side by side, it was impossible not to see the absurdity when comparing the two.

As a woman who has spent her adult life empowering women and girls to find their authentic selves, Oprah has, in my opinion, been part of the mag cover problem. She shows up every month all gussied up on the cover of O, looking like a version of the women we have all come to love and emulate. In fact, a few months ago I made the decision not to renew my subscription of O. That is until I received my August edition. For the first time I stood in my kitchen thrilled by what I was seeing. It was Oprah! I am talking about Oprah grilling, serving drinks on the patio, and a third shot popping her sunglasses on top of her head to show off a plate of fresh asparagus. The photos are clearly meant to convey a relaxed, fun, real life view of Oprah at home. Finally! A cover that matches the high quality articles, recommendations, and photographs on the inside of the monthly publication.

My hope is that Oprah will continue to lead the way with creative and natural covers that might just inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Incidentally, I cancelled my subscription to Vogue soon after that issue and I haven't missed it a bit!






July 7, 2015

A Nice Reminder For Young Women...




This is a good reminder to all women, but especially young women and girls. I have learned that if  you focus on hard work, generosity, and kindness, all the rest will naturally fall into place. I also believe that visualizing a goal creates personal success. I plan on referring to the following thought on the days when I need a little inspiration.