by Happy Today!
I don’t want to be another one of those people jumping on the bandwagon to comment on the Oprah interview with Prince Harry and Meghan. I didn’t watch the interview but you would have to be living under a rock to not have heard a little of the coverage somewhere.
It was my intention to stay away from this interview but I had a observations that I haven’t seen discussed. But let me be perfectly clear – I was raised by parents who grew up with the school of thought that says you don’t air your dirty laundry in public.
It’s not my place to say what did or did not happen. But when the universe is sending you signs, you better pay attention. It appeared I was inundated with coverage. This here are my observations.
5 Takeaways from the Oprah Harry & Meghan interview:
1. Understand your role as a volunteer
At some point in her transition from actress to wife of a Prince, Meghan asked the “firm” to use her in whatever way they believed would be best. Not a direct quote but close enough.
They did exactly what she asked them to do and she wasn’t prepared for the negativity that came with it. As volunteers, unpaid persons giving of their time, you have to understand and accept there will be no salary, retirement, health insurance or EAP services.
Volunteers also have to remember that it is the job of the agency you are volunteering with to put their needs above your own.
2. Your best protection is not a person but the availability of money.
Prince Harry was able to care for his family when his financial support was cut off because he had a safety net. His mother was quoted stating “They will look after the heir, and I will look out for the spare.” And she did just that.
The money left to him by his mother helped him ensure the safety and well-being of his family. Now let’s keep it real, many of us will not have access to a trust fund in the time of emergency. We must plan and implement a financial strategy which will allow for not only our safety net but that of your descendants as well.
3. When you choose to enter into a partnership or marriage with someone of a different culture, you choose to accept the implicit biases that go along with it.
The expectation that people will accept you into their family and understand you is unrealistic. Acceptance implies a willingness to be cordial with you. But understanding takes time, intentional action, and joint experiences.
The expectation of empathy is a realistic one. Fairness and equity while desired is not always a realistic endeavor for the new person on the team. Ever heard last one hired first one fired?
4. Being first at something is not a fairy tale.
It takes courage, nerves of steel and a willingness to accept the abuse as well as praise which will come your way. There will be those that love you but there will be far more who don’t. Find someone who walked a similar path and learn from their experiences. Those lessons should provide you with a portrait of what you can expect.
In this situation, there were interviews of others who joined this family. It you watched those interviews you will notice similarities. Those similarities are what can help prepare your defenses.
5. Have your own support system.
Everybody needs a friend like Tyler Perry. He doesn’t have to be rich but he has to be willing to support you when you are at your lowest. And not because you asked for the help, but because they know you need a little help to get through this life transition.
Your supper system will help fight your battles when you can’t.
Theses are the five observations I haven’t heard or read discussed. I have yet to watch the full interview and doubt that I will. What about you?
Have you watched news coverage of an event and thought of points which could be incorporated in your life!
Til next time,
“Expectation is the root of all heartache.” – William Shakespeare
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