Five Lessons on Health and Happiness I Learned from Oprah

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Oprah is one of the most polarizing people in the world. The moment her name is mentioned there's either a chorus of, "OMG, I love that woman!" or "Ewww, I can't stand her!" I, for one, am a die-hard Oprah devotee. I watch her show every single day and am feeling more than just a little bit heartbroken that her final episode is just days away.

From extravagant giveaways (You get a car! You get a car! You get a car!) to confronting our inner demons, there's more than a lesson or two we can take from Lady O (as I fondly call her). Of all the lessons Oprah's taught me, one of the most powerful ones is to accept, love, and honor myself—no matter what the scale says.

In honor of the final season of "The Oprah Show" here's a peek at five wellness lessons Oprah taught one of her biggest fans—me.

1. "Getting my lifelong weight struggle under control has come from a process of treating myself as well as I treat others in every way."—Oprah Winfrey
Anyone who has ever struggled with their weight knows that before coming to terms with their diet and exercise program, they must first come to terms with themselves. When you treat yourself the same way you aspire to treat others, there's potential for magic.

2. "Right now you are one choice away from a new beginning—one that leads you toward becoming the fullest human being you can be."—Oprah Winfrey
The power of our choices. We can choose to be a doctor or a couch potato. We can choose a gallon of ice cream or a scoop. It's your choices that make you who you are.

3. "The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work."—Oprah Winfrey
While I know no matter how hard I try, I probably won't be able to sing like Madonna, but I might—just might—be able to get her abs.

4. "Where there is no struggle, there is no strength."—Oprah Winfrey
Whether you're struggling with your weight, your career, your family, it has been proven time and time again that struggles only make us stronger. Next time you're sweating in gym class or beating yourself up after gorging on a late night burger and fries, remember that it's the tough times that lead us to the good times.

5. "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."—Oprah Winfrey
While we're nowhere near the beginning of a new year, each new day is a chance for us to start over and get it right. It's a chance to put our mind, body, spirit, and self first.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.