OWN Ambassadors: Christmas Gift for Oprah

OWN Ambassadors: Christmas Gift for Oprah

Oprah shares so much with the world through her inspirational programming on OWN, O Magazine, and her many acts of service and volunteerism. She is the epitome of compassionate giving and as a Christmas gift for Oprah and a tribute for all of the love she shares with the world, we invite all OWN Ambassadors to engage in a random act of kindness, giving, service, or volunteerism as your #ChristmasgiftforOprah.

Some examples might include: volunteering; buying a coffee for a stranger; donating clothing, books and household items to a shelter; holding a door open; leaving a surprise tip for a waiter/waitress; making a donation to charity; or dedicating one specific of the many acts of volunteerism, service, and kindness you already do in your lives (in your community and internationally), as a Christmas gift to Oprah. We know that times are tough, so please note your gift of service does not have to cost you a single dollar. It can be an act of kindness, a smile, volunteering, etc. Giving love and being a spark of light is everything.

Please tweet about the acts of service or volunteering you did in honor of Oprah for Christmas with the hashtag: #ChristmasgiftforOprah - we will keep the love going throughout the month!

The amazing thing about this gift for Oprah is that we are using our lives in service and following her example, sharing tangible ways of how her life and message have inspired us to be of service this holiday season.

We hope you will join us.

Here we go!

Hashtag: #ChristmasgiftforOprah

My Gift, Inspired By Oprah 

I recently dropped off a van full of donations to the Women's Shelter down the road. I've been telling my little one the importance of giving. When we arrived, Jessica (Case Worker) invited us in, and as I walked in, I seen 3 small children who appeared to be brothers and sister. There eyes lit up and there smiles were huge, especially when they seen all the toys. When Jessica went in the office to grab the Managers business card, I started to get very emotional. Whenever I've had stuff in the past I would take it to Goodwill, or Value Village, which is great, but going forward I decided I will be giving everything to the shelters. They were so appreciative, I could not believe how good it felt, not only for me, for my husband who was quite emotional, but even Kayla. When we left Kayla said Mommy I want to go home and bring back some of my special toys to give them. I want to give the little girl my special baby and some more toys. A couple of days ago, I could not even begin to go through the toys in front of Kayla. The other day was a testimony of how important it is to teach our children young. They get it! Wow my heart is overflowing.

 

Becoming an OWN Ambassador for the Oprah Winfrey Network

Recently the Founding OWN Ambassadors traveled to California for our first Meet & Greet. On the agenda the OWN Ambassadors were scheduled to attend many exciting events around L.A.. Down below are a couple of links for you to check out.

The role of an OWN Ambassador is to support OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), and have a vision "To Live Your Best Life". If you would like to become an OWN Ambassador,  follow @ownambassadors on Twitter, "Like" us on Facebook, insert #OWNAmbassador in your profile under the Bio section, and on Twitter, use #OWNAmbassadors as the hashtag. It's that easy! As Oprah mentioned, we are the Carriers Of Light. 

As an OWN Ambassador you can participate either via Facebook, or Twitter. This is how:

Twitter Parties

Tweet Up's 

Book Club/Tweet Club 

Interact with fellow Ambassadors

Positive Support system that lifts you up

Community of like minded people

Informative  conversations

Spreading the Love
 
My name is Shelley Harris and one of the founding OWN Ambassadors. You can find me on Twitter, my handle is mobile_mentor. Being a part of the group has allowed me to meet some of the most inspirational people I know, I feel as though God directed me to the group. They say when you want to lead a positive life, you need to surround yourself with positive people. I've done that, and great things are happening. Thank You Oprah!

Hope to see you soon!

Spreading Love and Light,
Shelley Harris

 
A few links for you to check out. 

Lia Keith - Founder   OWN Ambassadors website (Still In Progress) http://ownambassadors.com/

The Daily OWN was created by Paula and Patricia Pritchard in January of 2011 for the world to enjoy the lessons and inspiration from Oprah and the new Oprah Winfrey Network. http://www.thedailyown.com/  

Shelley Harris - Is a Certified Professional Coach & Mentor who practices living her best life. Blog: http://pblcservices.blogspot.ca/     Web; http://www.personalbestlifecoaching.net/
Photos from the week in California: http://www.flickr.com/photos/84395694@N03/

Lonnell Williams OWN Ambassador pictures from our L.A. week/weekend
http://3lwtv.smugmug.com/Other/Devon-Franklin-Sony-Tour-OWN/26028562_cz9B6B/2163600019_h234snn#!i=2160896008&k=gwNKpbD







   

DREAMBIG - MY OPRAH MOMENT

I've been home from California for 2 weeks, and ready to share with you my experiences from the OYOU conference in California and my Oprah moment. I had a hard time processing and articulating the magnitude of it. There was so much joy throughout the whole week, everyday was great. The smiles were big, and the laughter was loud. Have you ever experience so much joy you didn't know what to do with yourself? When we arrived in California Wednesday Oct 17th, the excitement was off the charts, but as we got closer to Saturday Oct 20th, the emotions were indescribable.

Although I was tired after having a late night with the OWN Ambassadors, I didn't let that get in the way, I was going on pure excitement, and adrenaline! While I was getting ready I was thinking today is THEE day. So much anticipation, excitement, and joy, today was going to be a great day!  Bionca, Justin, Jan, Misty, Eliza and myself all gathered in the lobby at our hotel and then headed to the car. Off we go, we were giddy like school kids. When we arrived at the convention center we parked the car and walked towards one of the biggest lines I have ever seen. I was like wow where is the end of the line, we eventually found it and took our spot. We were in the line up for maybe half an hour and then we were plucked out of the line and told to come with Nada where we ended up getting the VIP treatment.

We were guided past everyone and right through the doors to an area that was waiting for us. As I looked around there was Media allowed in, a few others, and the OWN Ambassadors. We were guided up an escalator and told to meet with Maya and Jai, Oprah's Marketing team. When we arrived at the area we were given an OWN Ambassador bracelet and given the schedule for the day. Everything was organized to a "Tee". One of our instructions was to meet at a certain area at 1:30 sharp for our private lunch with Oprah. Once everyone was signed in and registered we were escorted to the front row inside the conference area.

When we arrived to our seats, there were little OYOU keepsakes on our chairs and feel good music playing as people walked in. While the music was playing there were several of us that were dancing, and singing away. It felt so good to be there, we were treated so wonderfully. It was soon time for everyone to take their seats and welcome the guest speakers. Each speaker made such an impact on me. Over to my right I could see all the star players, celebrities and fellow guest speakers.

Suze Ormon talked about needs vs wants. She also talked about giving back, it is like a cycle of life, when you give back it comes back to you two fold. I really enjoyed Suze words, they really resonated with me. When Dr. Phil spoke, he was to the point and talked about the importance of women taking care of themselves. When Mama ain't good, ain't no one else good. Whenever I hear Iyanla speak, I am just mesmerized by her sheer honesty and straightforwardness. She talked about keeping it real, and calling a thing a thing. She also touched base on the importance of taking care of "YOU".  Listening to Peter Walsh was hilarious. I had no idea he was so funny, he is a great speaker, and just knows his audience. When he spoke, he talked about organization and the memories of stuff. There are different type of people who save stuff. I forget his terminology, but I am like a memory keeper, I tend to keep stuff because of memories. His message was clear, you can achieve happiness through organization. There were a few other speakers but due to our lunch we were not able to attend the others.

The OWN Ambassadors all made their way to the gathering spot for 1:30 pm. Our hearts were beating out of our chest and the excitement was palpable. This is the moment we have all been waiting for. Meeting Oprah has been on my bucket list forever, I can't believe this is about to happen. Once everyone arrived we were escorted up the stairs to a small intimate conference room. As I walked in I noticed pink and lightly coloured flowers on each table and the buffet was beautifully arranged. Before we were directed to our tables we signed in and given a name tags.

Once everyone was seated we were given instructions from Maya and Jai about what to expect. No cameras or videos,  we were not allowed to take any pictures. I did take a few of the tables and buffet table prior to them telling us. Oprah's photographer provided a personal photo opportunity for each of us with Oprah. While I was looking around I noticed there were alot of security, apparently the whole area on the floor was secured off. There were approximately 35 OWN Ambassadors, and a few of Oprah's people that were gathered for the lunch. As we sat there, Iyanla Vanzant popped in to say hello. What an honour, she is amazing, she talked to each of us and is so personable. Once she got to our table, we shouted that we are the Canadian OWN Ambassadors, she gave us mad props. She loves us Canadians. While she was there with us, Paolo (A fellow Ambassador) invited her to his after party for the evening with us, and she showed up. I totally couldn't believe it. That will be in my next blog.

Each table had an empty seat, the empty seat was beside myself and Nada. We were told Oprah is going to come around and talk to each of us. Nada and I were making sure the spot was clean, and welcoming for Oprah LOL. I was like holy wow, she is going to sit right beside me. In the meantime, Eric Logan, the president of OWN came and made his way to each table. I could not get over how approachable and real he was. It was like I was talking to a friend. We had some concerns we addressed with him regarding OWN Canada
(Re- Programming), and he gave us a name of the person that we need to talk to here in Canada. He really made us feel our concerns were being heard. He was also going to address it with the individual at OWN Canada as well. I was pleasantly surprised, he is just an all around super guy.

Now for the big moment, throughout lunch I kept looking at the door in anticipation for Oprah's arrival. Things got quiet, security was on high alert, the doors open and in walks Oprah. Wow, she is beautiful, and she is here, in the same room as me. Some people were shaky, and nervous. I was not nervous, I was totally okay, I just wanted to absorb every moment of every second. Oprah made her way to the front of the conference room where the pictures would be taken. We were all instructed at certain times to make our way to the line. Table number 4, can you please take your spot and prepare for your picture with Oprah. I was the second individual from our table to take a picture. I walked over to Oprah, and I told her it was an honour to meet her, thanked her for lunch and and gave her a big hug, then we both looked at the camera and George (Her photographer) snapped away.

Once everyone was done taking their pictures, Oprah spoke to all of us. She thanked us for all of our hard work, and said "You are all CARRIERS OF LIGHT, this group is a phenomenal testimony to that". She spoke about the Network and what her dreams would be, she dreams Super Soul Sunday will be a number 1 show one day. The OWN Ambassadors will do everything in our power to make that happen. I was in awe of Oprah, her energy was so gracious, and her words were so kind. When she finished speaking to us in a group, she went around to each table and spoke to us individually.

She started on the other side of the room, and while she was over there, Gayle walked in. She said hello to everyone and then asked Oprah if she minded if Entertainment Tonight could come in and do an interview. Oprah told her staff, someone go get me my shoes lol, they brought in these gold sparkly shoes, with at least a 5 inch heel, maybe more. Oprah wanted to be as tall as Nancy O'Dell, she is so tall. The interview was quick and once they finished ET left. Oprah resumed back to the tables. Eventually she made her way to our table, she came over, spoke to us, she was so excited that her Canadian Ambassadors were all sitting together. She told us about a speaking engagement in Calgary in January, and we all looked at each other and thought...ROADTRIP, or should I say Plane Ride LOL. She left us with her graciousness and her amazing energy, she truly is everything you see on TV. Her heart is big and her vision is huge. Together we will help grow OWN!

She finished up with us, and said goodbye. I sat in my chair and thought wow, did this really just happen. This is the start of something very huge. We are going to take this higher then we ever thought possible. I am so excited and proud to be an OWN Ambassador. This group lifts you up, and inspires you to do more, and be better. We arrived at 1:30 pm, and we left at 3:45 pm, this was the best couple of hours I ever had in my life. Feeling truly blessed!

I will leave you with this...If you want something bad enough, think about it, live it, dream it, envision it. It will manifest, that is how dreams come true. DREAM BIG, I did and great things are happening!

Thanks for stopping by...

Much Love,
Shelley

The Sargent was there and spoke about his charity to Oprah

Living The Dream - Day 2 California, Santa Monica

Today we had a slow start to the day, but once we got up and on the go, we went downstairs to pick up the car we had rented. With the car we ended up renting a GPS, we named her Nora. There is Bionca, Misty, Jan, Eliza and myself traveling in the rental car, I will refer to ourselves as the Road Dogs (Bionca named us). Once we familiarized ourselves with the car, and set up the GPS, we were off.

The drive to Santa Monica was only about 15 mins, but it was such a pretty drive, I just took in all the palm trees, ocean, and people. It was so beautiful. When we arrived, Jan parked the car, and then we all turned around to walk toward the beach. I couldn't wait to put my feet in the sand. The sun was warm, bright, and the beach was spectacular. There were trails in the middle of the beach for people to walk, roller blade or ride their bikes.

We slowly started making our way to the pier, but we stopped several times along the way. When I looked out to the ocean you could see the Life Guard Stations all along the beach. Baywatch was filmed there, so of course I had to re-enact a Pamela Anderson scene by running on the beach. Okay I know I probably didn't look like her, but in my head I did LOL. As we walked along we came upon a bunch of swings, so of course I ran for the swing to have some fun. It was great acting like a kid, I tend to do that alot. I think not having much of a childhood, allows me to make up for it as an adult. We all took turns on the swings, and just had fun, it was good times.

Once we finished with our fun at the swings we made our way to the pier. We noticed there was a Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant, we were all hungry so we decided to eat at Bubba Gump's. As we arrived we put our name on the waiting list and ventured into the store until our name was called. Most of us purchased an item or two. It was a great little spot with the most delicious food. If I ever go to Santa Monica's again, I will be sure to eat at Bubba Gump's. A great atmosphere with great food! We finished up and then Jan and I spoke to our wonderful waitress Kelly for a few minutes about her art of poetry. What a great waitress, if your ever in Bubba Gump's in Santa Monica, ask to sit in Kelly's section, she was wonderful.

After lunch we decided to head down to the beach, to play in the sand and the ocean. We stopped and listen to a few traveling kid musicians (who were homeless) play music on the beach. Initially I felt so sad for them, and wanted to play my Motherly role and "save" them, but after talking to them I realized they are right where they want to be. They are free spirited, riding around from state to state on freight cars with their guitars, and their 2 dogs. I really enjoyed talking with these young adults, and I could really feel their passion for their music. Like everyone, they have a story, and I was compelled to listen to theirs. I appreciate their strength and courage to follow their dreams, to them the cost of their dream is irrelevant. I get that!

After listening and talking to the traveling musicans, we all rolled up our pants and frolicked along the ocean. I walked off on my own and went and checked under the pier at Santa Monica's. I broke out and started singing "Under the Boardwalk" it just seemed so appropriate. People may have thought I was crazy, but I didn't care LOL, it's not everyday I get to walk under Santa Monica Pier. We all ended up gathering on the beach to wait for another Canadian OWN Ambassador. Within a few minutes Helen showed up and we just hung around talked, and took pictures. After taking it all in, we headed up on the pier to check out the different shops. and find a spot where we could watch the sunset.

We all headed in different directions to see different things, at one point Misty and I were together and then I was stopped by a crew from Walmart Communities and asked if they could interview me. I said certainly. It was a great interview, they asked me what my opinion would be about bringing Walmart to Santa Monica. I did let them know I wasn't from there but they still wanted to continue with the interview.  Towards the end of the interview the host and I were dancing and having a great time. I just wish I could have remembered his name.

I eventually made my way to the end of Santa Monica Pier, on the walk down I picked up a couple of souvenirs, and stopped to listen to more entertainers. It was fun. All the ladies were there and ready to watch the sunset. The wait was worth it, the sunset was absolutely spectacular, the colours were vibrant and the ocean was calm. I just stood there and absorb the beauty of it all. Here I am in California living the dream, and watching one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. Life is good!

Overall the day was amazing, good friends, good food, and great weather. Today was just perfect.

Thanks for stopping by...

Shelley

Under The Boardwalk - Santa Monica Pier

The Road Dogs

The Travellin' Musicians

Interview for Walmart Communities