Just a thought… Your happiness is your responsibility. Let them live their lives. [Mel Robbins, The “Let Them” Theory, out Dec. 24, 2024]

Welcome to a new week and thank you SO much for coming by!

A dear friend sent me a link to an interview the other day. When I tell you it changed my whole outlook, not just on my day, but perhaps even on my life as we sit on the cusp of a new year, I’m not kidding. In the interview, Mel Robbins, life coach, radio/podcast host, motivational speaker, lawyer and author, talked about her upcoming (sure-to-be) bestseller: The “Let Them” Theory.

In a nutshell, it’s about letting go of what you think you control. It’s a message we’ve all heard in one way or another, either from the stoics or Viktor Frankl, or even in sermons. But the way she explains this theory just landed really powerfully for me and hopefully will fuel the year that lies ahead. Who knows? Maybe it will for you, too.

Before I post the link here, I have to tell you I’ve had some reservations about sharing it because of the person who’s interviewing her: Oprah. Yes, Oprah has a podcast (because, why not?) and Mel Robbins sits down with her for this meaningful conversation. But I know I’ve had mixed feelings since Oprah left TV almost 14 years ago (what???). Especially in that two of her protégés seemingly went off the rails in the past few years politically. I’m talking about Doctors Oz and Phil.

My concern was amplified by a @threads.net comment I got on Saturday:

I responded that that was totally her prerogative, but that Mel more than stands on her own.

It brings me to a bigger question and one upon which I am looking forward to hearing my Gracefully and Frankly podcast partner Lisa Brandt’s take. Is Oprah Winfrey responsible for the paths taken by two men she elevated to international prominence? It’s one thing to vet people she’s going to have on her show – an army of producers can do that – but who can predict the future? Do they have to sign some kind of NDA, but one that promises they won’t do anything to embarrass the host or diminish her regard in the eye of the public as long as they all shall live?

So many have posted in light of both doctors’ MAGA leanings that they will never forgive Oprah for giving the two their platform. But where does that responsibility end? Are we wrong in blaming her for the actions of two grown men? And is it some kind of thinly-veiled misogyny to do so?

I don’t have the answer, but maybe you do, and can comment after hearing Episode 106 next Thursday. (Yes, we have a new episode coming this week, of course, but decided not to take the week between Christmas and New Year’s off, as response to a little poll I put on my FB page was super enthusiastic that we do. Thus, the Dec. 26 Episode 106.)

I will tell you that one of the comments Mel Robbins made landed solidly with Oprah and me: if they’re going to go after you on social media – LET THEM.

Heck, if Oprah freaking Winfrey is going to lose sleep over what someone who doesn’t know her says about her, then we are all forgiven for caring. That amnesty towards ourselves is summed up in just two words: Let Them!

Now, here’s the link to that interview, which I’ve already watched twice. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and, of course, your feedback once Lisa and I have discussed it. And thank you again for spending some time here.