I have been searching for a very touching video but all I found was another version that I don’t think would give quite as much as an impact for the point that I would like to put across. Nonetheless, I will write a short narration of what it is all about. A couple of years ago, Oprah Winfrey embarked on a project called Christmas Kindness. Oprah and her crew flew to Africa to organize 3 massive parties for the poor children of Africa especially the children victimized by AIDS. It was a random act of kindness where all children are invited to the parties. Some were just picked up while taking long walks. Some of these children are left to fend for themselves after losing both their parents to AIDS. Some after hearing news of the parties, walked bare footed for hours to the huge tents that Oprah and her crew has set up. Underneath these tents, the children were mesmerized with a wonderland filled with what most of these children yearns for, true happiness and a glimpse of what a perfect childhood should be. Though it was just for a a few hours, the happiness shown through the faces on these children were priceless as most of them wear a pair of shoes for the first time, have their photos taken for the very first time and most of all, no children left without a present and are fed (some the only meal for the day).
Due to the immense emotions, even Oprah herself broke down and cried. That was in fact the most moving part of the show for me. It is hard holding back tears because the emotions were so raw and intense. Oprah must have felt and question what she can do to save every single one of these children. Though she was not able to bring happiness to every single child in Africa, what she did is enough to bring love to those that was lucky enough to experience that wonderful day.
It has been 25 years since Oprah Winfrey first started her talk show and it came to an end early this year. Out of that 25 years, I am happy to say that I have followed her since I was 8 years old, the same time when the first pet rabbit came into my life. And since then, I have watched some of her talk shows that touched on very interesting and provocative subjects. I am not ashamed to say that Oprah Winfrey is a great influence and also the greatest inspiration of my life. It is hard to imagine me being a big fan of Oprah Winfrey because most will only agree that the queen of talk shows is not for a macho man. I prefer to differ.
Perceptions of life
I spent this weekend reflecting on life and realized that success and failure are only states of mind. At times, it does feel that this hobby has became a little of a drag for me lately mainly because I have been so consumed by all the negativity that I have allowed to cloud my vision. Life is filled with ups and downs and it is common to go through hard times occasionally. Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Talking about perseverance! And the genius in Albert Einstein also have his opinion about mistakes in life quoting, “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”
One of the things that made Oprah so successful while doing what she loves is the discovery of her passion & purpose. I must admit that there was a defining moment when I first decided to start raising Holland Lops. It is hard to explain but it is the “AHA!” moment when a little bulb just lights up out of a sudden! I am also sure it is not just about the rabbits but instead it is my passion in writing about them as well. I am not sure how many have been inspired by reading through my blog and started in the hobby but either way I believe some did start raising Holland Lops because of this blog. Some may be inspired by the photos of the cute and beautiful rabbits that I post up occasionally and some may have started the hobby to proof a point that they can raise nicer rabbits due to my “arrogance”. Either way, I am glad that I have played a role getting people started in this hobby or at least learn how to treat their rabbit(s) better by being well informed owners.
My purpose is indeed sharing and educating others about the rabbit raising hobby. If it not my purpose, I will not find myself sitting on a bench writing this blog post and aboout how I feel in the midst of the hustling and bustling of a mall on a Sunday morning. A quiet weekend away from work really does wonders to one’s mind and soul. To top it off, I was so moved and inspired watching Oprah Winfrey’s 25th year finale episodes.
The child in us
It is the same perception “imposed” on men that made us all lose that inner child in us. I am not sure if you will agree with me when I say that we love to do certain things because it gives us that certain escape that we yearn for. That certain escape that brings out the child in us. Raising rabbits for me is in fact that little “comfort zone” for me. It brings me back to that little space where I can be who I really am without being superficial. And when I meet another person who raises rabbit, that is exactly what brings us closer together because our little space expands and we find ourselves in the midst of another child in a bigger space. As more join us in the hobby, we have a huge playground. We are no longer ashamed of being “childish”, speaking and sharing things that others who are not in the hobby do not understand nor appreciate. It is for that one moment in time, that we free and liberate ourselves from being labelled. In our playground, we are no longer forced to be or act “mature”.
Pay it forward
We learn new things every day and I am not bashful to admit that I only learn these 3 important words in my 30s. These 3 words are – PAY IT FORWARD. Many of us have used these 3 words without realizing it at one point or another, as any act of charity and kindness represents these 3 words. And I am very lucky to have many people using “PAY IT FORWARD” on me in my life. Oprah Winfrey has done this for the past 25 years. She “PAID IT FORWARD” many times over and we can clearly see that during her 25th year finale episodes, the fruit of her labor. One of which that stood out was her contribution to the community in the form of Morehouse College where it educates poor African American. The impact of just educating over 400 of these poor students at Morehouse College, Oprah’s contribution has done great things in their lives. From the education obtained, the men have the opportunity to be professionals like lawyers, doctors and engineers to name a few. And talking about “PAY IT FORWARD”, these men went on to contribute their own money for the next generation of students!
Here’s a video of some of the men from Morehouse making a dedication to Oprah:
Amidst all the negativity in this world, I am happy to see the joy when these 3 words are practised in actions. Generosity really goes a long way. Life is nothing near a bed of roses but it is our choice to see the roses or to be consumed by all the thorns. It feels good blinding myself from viewing the thorns and be amongst those that plant roses instead. Being at the forefront of the rabbit blogger sphere, I realized how important it is to continue to inspire and give hope to the many readers who visit my blog fervently. I have to apologize because I have been so self absorbed lately especially in the unhappiness. It is only human to fall but whatever that cannot break, will only make us stronger.
Go forth and be inspired and to inspire in all things great and small!
Tru-Luv Rabbitry: Quality Holland Lops in Malaysia 