Duke University Photo
Oprah’s godson, William Bumpus, son of her best friend Gayle King, graduated from Duke University today with two degrees in Psychology and Chinese. Oprah attended not only as a proud godmother, but she received an honorary doctor in humane letters and gave the commencement speech. She encouraged 4,400 graduates at Duke University’s 157th commencement to “trust your gut to help you stand proudly in your own shoes while you help others stand in theirs.” Oprah shared stories from her show such as interviews with celebrities (Nelson Mandela) and every-day, amazing people (Monica George) who have inspired her. She says her show has given her the greatest lessons in life.
Oprah’s uplifting, inspirational speech continued with a focus on the definition of the “circle of success.” According to Oprah, the definition is grounded in service to others,
…using your life in service to someone else’s. But you really haven’t completed the circle of success unless you can help somebody else move forward…move to higher ground. That’s why we are all alive… to use ourselves, our lives for something bigger than ourselves.”
She concluded with a personal experience. A story about the Columbine Massacre was about to air on the Oprah Show but something about the story didn’t feel right. After stilling her mind, Oprah discovered what was wrong. She felt the story would send a dark energy into the world, and she refused to be responsible for spreading that type of energy. She pulled the show. Even though the promos have been running all week, she pulled the show. Sometimes you need to examine the reason for your decisions. Is it because it feels right in your gut? Or is it because it would be a popular decision? Have the courage to trust your instinct, your higher-self, because as Oprah urged, “you are responsible for your happiness, and you are responsible for the energy you bring to everything.”
You can download Oprah’s entire commencement speech at iTunes for free. What part of Oprah’s speech resonated with you the most? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
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