March 18, 2025 | Issue Archive
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Hey there,
A quick personal note before we get to today’s message...
Last week marked six months since Mastering the Moments was released. The day before the release anniversary, I heard from a reader who told me the book gave her permission to finally let go of something she’d been holding onto for years. Messages like that remind me why I wrote it. Whether it’s one reader or thousands, my hope is that these words serve as a guide to navigate endings with clarity, confidence, and courage. I love seeing 5-star reviews on Amazon—did you leave yours yet?!—but one heartfelt story beats five stars any day.
Now, let’s talk about Oprah…
The Moment Oprah Walked Away—and What It Means for You
For 25 years, The Oprah Winfrey Show was the undisputed queen of daytime TV. Millions tuned in daily. Cultural conversations shifted because of what happened on that stage. So when Oprah announced in 2009 that she was ending the show, the world collectively gasped.
Why would she walk away from that kind of success?
Because she knew what most of us resist: Every great next chapter begins with an ending.
Instead of clinging to what was safe, Oprah stepped into the unknown. She launched the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), shifting from host to media mogul. And it wasn’t easy—OWN struggled for years. But by embracing change, she expanded her influence far beyond a single show. The ending of The Oprah Winfrey Show didn’t shrink her impact—it magnified it.
Here’s the big takeaway: The endings we avoid are often the ones that hold our greatest opportunities. We stay in jobs, relationships, routines—because they’re familiar. But what if, like Oprah, your biggest growth requires closing a door first?
How to Know It’s Time for Your Next Chapter:
- Success Doesn’t Mean You Should Stay – Just because you’re thriving in one area doesn’t mean it’s the best use of your potential. Ask: Is this where I’m meant to be, or am I staying because it’s comfortable?
- Discomfort Signals Growth – New beginnings are unsettling. That’s normal. But fear of the unknown isn’t a reason to stay—it’s a reason to step forward.
- Vision > Security – Oprah didn’t just leave her show. She built something bigger. What’s waiting for you beyond your current chapter?
If you want more on how to connect with your true desire, flip to Chapter 3 of Mastering the Moments—especially p. 68: Your Desire is Divine.
THIS ENDS NOW
Identify one habit, belief, or behavior that’s no longer serving you—and let it go.
What’s one thing in your life that no longer serves you—but you’ve been holding onto because it’s familiar? Maybe it’s a mindset, a commitment, or even a dream that no longer fits. Acknowledge it. Decide: Today, this ends.
THIS MOMENT MATTERS
One simple, actionable step to take to create a ripple effect of change in your life
The moment you let go, you create space for something new. What’s one small step you can take today toward a future you actually want? Even if it’s as simple as journaling about it or telling someone you trust. Move forward—one moment at a time.
Oprah’s story is proof: Walking away isn’t giving up. It’s making room for something greater.
Up we go—
P.S. If you haven’t already, add shawn@shawnellis.com to your contacts to ensure important updates and messages like this reach your primary inbox.