For the past three nights Australia has said farewell to the Oprah Winfrey Show. For some it was sad and sweet (me), for others it was somewhat of a relief (my husband who now gets the TV remote back). And is wasn’t just the fact that she ended the show hugging her gorgeous Cocker Spaniel, Sadie. Whether you’re an Oprah fan or not, as a blogger I think some of her ‘life lessons’ shared during her final show really struck a chord.

“What are the whispers in your life right now? An will you hear it? Your life is speaking to you right now. What is it saying?” Aren’t these little whispers why you started a blog? Why you chose to welcome a dog into your life? Why you chose to give something back? As I listened to Oprah utter this phrase I remembered hearing those whispers to do something more, and when I searched for an answer – Pretty Fluffy was born.

“That is what a calling is. It lights you up and lets you know that you are exactly where you are supposed to be, doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing. And that is what I want for all of you.” Does your blog light you up? Do you feel alive sharing with the world this little piece of you? I feel you can always tell when you are doing what you are meant to. It may not always be easy, but it brings you inherent joy. Now whether that involves writing a blog, volunteering at a dog shelter, or just caring for those around you, it brings happiness into your world. Here on Pretty Fluffy that was my aim from the start to bring a bit of happiness and light to my own little corner of the world – and as I work on a little tweaking behind the scenes this becomes even more prevalent. I want every post here to reflect my aim of bringing joy into your lives. I think if we consistently think of what lights up our world, our choices become easier, our goals clearer and our souls more content.

“You have to make a living, I understand that, but you also have to know what sparks the light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.” For many bloggers, writing posts takes time – and in today’s world time can often mean money. Which is where a lot of us can become too focused on trying to monetize our blogs. Which in itself I don’t believe is a bad thing. Some of the best blogs out there have devoted full time writers supported by their advertisers. The advertising results in more time devoted to the blog and as a result a better finished product. But I’m talking about when a blogger becomes too bogged down in working out ways to develop an income from their blog rather than working on their posts. Because when this happens you lose your spark, the reason you started blogging in the first place, and it’s hard to illuminate the world without it. Remember the spark comes first.

“You are worthy because you are born and because you are here. Your being here, your being alive makes worthiness your birthright. You alone are enough.” And your blog is enough. Too often bloggers can get focused on their stat counts, their twitter followers, how many comments they receive…the list is endless. But do you know what? If your blog makes one person happy, isn’t that enough? I can’t describe the feeling I get when someone emails or comments saying that Pretty Fluffy has brought joy to their day. Because that’s what it’s about. You don’t need to have an audience of millions. Making a difference in someone’s life however big or small is enough.

“Start embracing the life that is calling you and use your life to serve the world.” So many of the choices I have made in my life have been about serving myself. We all do it, sometimes merely to make ends meet and survive. But Pretty Fluffy was different. It wasn’t about attention or money or power. It was about sharing a bit of joy, bits of pretty and lots of fluffy! And I can’t even start to explain how happy it has made me – and also those around me. So, my fellow bloggers, puppy lovers, readers and friends I ask of you to embrace your life. Whether it’s through a blog, or something else close to your heart, by embracing what’s inside you’re sure to unleash something amazing.

Thanks for 25 years Oprah.

Did you watch the final Oprah show?
Which of her insights struck a chord with you?
PS. Not enough puppies in this post for you? Never fear, check out Buzzfeed’s 13 Inspiring Quotes From Oprah’s Last Episode (Presented By Dogs Wearing Scarves) Adorable and Insightful!