Thankfully, this issue didn't disappoint me, as
O rarely does. Sure, it's packed with advertising and product recommendations, but the value lies in those little pockets of human insight, connection and encouragement that the big O has made her stock in trade. This issue she writes, "I'm moved by this desire to change the world for the better. What's a good way to do exactly that? Reach out to people who are in need, and make lasting, meaningful connections."To wit, five really good (and commission free!) reasons to consider getting yourself a copy of the October 2009 issue:
1. Marcia Gay Harden's Aha! Moment. In short, 25 years ago she was a struggling actress told to get over it by a homeless man. "Quit your crying and get to work." She now works with a homeless charity.
2. Martha Beck's advice story, 'What's wrong with this picture?', is like a year of therapy in three pages. Beck introduces us to the concept of the "designated issue", i.e. the problems we focus on (the bane of our existence!), whether they be weight obsession, wanting to find 'The One', or our cholesterol. Beck says these issues aren't necessarily bad for us, as they are our way of self-protecting from the bigger issues. "Focusing on the mildly disturbing, semi-controllable issues allows the mind to stuff much greater terrors in relatively tidy packages." Designated issues hide the true disfunction (ie. weight obsession obscuring marital issues). Beck tells us how to identify our designated issues and deal with them gradually and gently.
3. Geraldine Brooks' story of how a $100 donation made by a Texan doctor inspired by a story she'd written about a Palestinian boy caused a ripple effect of human compassion leading to the establishment of the Hope Fund. From big things (and good journalism) little things grow.
4. Oprah's interview with Jay-Z, a man who's truly risen above his circumstances to make something of his life and inspire other kids from the 'hood to do so, too. My favourite quote: "There's the gift, there's the spirit, and there's the work – all three have to come together. If one of those things is off, it can stop you from becoming who you were meant to be."
5. 'Sister Street' – New Orleans women band together to support their Rwandan sisters by creating charity bracelets. Several inspiring, personal women's stories about triumphing over adversity packed into one feature. Talk about gaining perspective!
Oprah rounds out the issue thus, "I live a big life. But in reality it's the small things that fill me up", going on to describe a succulent peach she shared with Stedman. Similarly, I was moved to share parts of O The Oprah Magazine with Husband on our seven-hour drive home yesterday, deepening our connection beyond superficial chat and turning, as Oprah says, an "ordinary moment into an extraordinary peachy and praiseful day."
Now that's ROI!
Yours truly,
Girl With a Satchel
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