We all just want to matter

I recently went to see Oprah when she came to speak in Vancouver.  I had watched her talk show in the past which I found to be very entertaining, informative and quite often inspirational depending upon who her guest was for the day.   I have always found that she is very down to earth, willing to laugh at herself and is not afraid to open up about her insecurities and fears which really helps her audience feel like they can really relate to her.

Although I was looking forward to seeing her in person, I did wonder how she was going to keep her audience captivated without a high profile guest to interview or some new fact about her life which we hadn’t already heard before in the media.  Well, I have to say, she accomplished just that.  It turned out to be a fantastic show.  She did speak about the many challenges she has had to overcome since a very young age and all of her “A-ha moments” that have lead her to where she is today which is in itself, inspirational.  There is too much information for me to summarize from that evening so I thought I would mention a quote that really resonated with me.

“In all my years interviewing murders, rapists, artists, rock stars, Hollywood greats, icons, leaders and thought provokers…no matter who they are, where they come from: poor, rich, dying or grieving – the moment the interview ends, they always lean into me when the cameras turn off and ask, “was that ok?” Even Beyonce in all her ‘Beyonce-ness’ asks. It seems to me that we all just want to matter. 

 We as human beings walk this planet asking: do you hear me? do you see me? and does what I say matter? Do your eyes light up when I enter the room?”     Oprah Winfrey 

When I thought about this statement, I felt there was a lot of truth in these words especially when it came to my three year old son.  Whether it’s recognition when he puts his shoes on the right feet, goes down the steep slide all by himself, draws a picture for me or has something important to say, he just wants to know that what he says and does matters.

I think this is also true with adults, we all want to know that we matter so whether it’s your child, spouse, parents, family, co-workers, friends or a stranger, show people that you care and what they say and do is important.  The same goes for yourself and the relationships in your life, whether personal or professional.  If you don’t feel you’re being seen or heard by others, then perhaps it’s time to let them know how you feel and if the situation doesn’t improve, then maybe it’s time to move on and find people who truly respect and appreciate the person you are.