Aug 13, 2010
Wise Words from Wynonna
Who knew that some of the most profound statements I’ve ever heard would come from Wynonna Judd? I saw the international superstar speak this week at a monthly CABLE luncheon, and I can guarantee that nobody left without having a few belly laughs, some moments of reflection and a unanimous thank-you for the experience. Self-described as a “passionate artist, philanthropist, and a farmer with the ability to kick anybody’s ass who’s new in the country music business with one hand tied behind my back”, Wynonna talked about her personal journey “to hell and back”. A few years ago, she hit a wall and wanted to quit the business around the time her doctor told her to start taking care of her body or her career decision may be made for her. Following a stint in rehab for her “addiction to food, OCD and perfectionism”, she changed her lifestyle. Here are some wise words from Wynonna:
* If you don’t care of yourself, no one else will.
* Start learning to say “no”.
* Perfectionism is the highest form of self abuse.
* I don’t want to be bitter; I want to be better.
* If it’s not one thing, it’s your mother.
* Give yourself daily affirmations – in the mirror – naked.
* Your best is good enough.
* Listen to your inner voice.
* No more credit cards; pay cash for everything.
* You are more than your weight.
* Stop drinking the poison expecting someone else to die.
* Don’t give the devil rent-free space in your head.
* Set boundaries.
* Be the change you want to be.
And the most well-received advice by the 400+ women in attenance, and I quote, “Stop prioritorizing your schedule. Schedule your priorities, and let the rest go. Just go get a good book and a vibrator.”
For her authenticity, candor and connection, we honor Wynonna Judd with three virtual Cups of Joe.
The virtual Cup of Joe Award from EveryDayPR spotlights our pick of the week for a public relations performance – good, bad or ugly. If you’d like to make a nomination, contact shart@hartpr.com or www.Twitter.com/susanhartpr.
God, I love a ballsy broad!
Oh she's that and more!
Great post!
THIS IS SUPER. THE JUDD FAMILY HAS HAD MANY, MANY UPS AND DOWNS BUT THEY ALWAYS BOUNCE BACK.
Yes, I'd have to agree – they are a resilient family. Thanks for commenting.
I knew this was going to be a good post! Thanks so much for re-capping the experience…"Lunch with Wynonna". Happy Saturday!!!
You're quite welcome for the recap. Of course, Wynonna really provided the content. Thanks for commenting.
I'm sorry, I am not a fan of this woman or her platitudes, and I find it strange that an educated, successful woman like you would gush about her. Is it her celebrity that has you so dazed?
Life is not about a series of platitudes. It is hard, messy and inconvenient. It is two steps forward and then some backward. It is uneven and doesn't always move forward.
Wynonna is a classic example of someone who stops and starts and stops and starts. That is fine; we all do that, I think that is one of my points, actually. But at each "start," Wynonna goes into some public place proclaiming this new beginning her "definitive new beginning" and then she gives her reason why THIS one is different from the last one.
They are never different. Everyone who knows her knows that she is just one screw up after another. She does have the potential to overcome all the stops and starts and misfires. But, she will never overcome them as long as she continues to go public every time she is three months out of her last low point, and especially since she is defining her success and encouraging your success in terms of ridiculous platitudes. Hearing that that is what she said only reinforces to me that THIS is not the real change she is looking for, yet.
Don't praise her for this behavior. You seem smart enough to see through it. You also seem smart enough than to buy into the fact that you can improve your life or your understanding of life by sophomoric platitudes, which are really just plain silly, just like Wynonna.
I can tell you one thing for sure. Outside of people like you who are fans simply because of her celebrity, Wynonna is not someone who is at all very well respected among people who know her or among people in her business.
Thanks so much for your comments. I agree with you on the point that life can be difficult, messy and inconvenient. Now that you bring it to my attention regarding what appears to be Wynonna’s start-and-stop pattern, I remember thinking at the luncheon something like “hasn’t she announced a fresh start before this?”, which should indicate that I’m not mesmerized by her celebrity as I don’t follow her and couldn’t name one song she’s ever done. I also agree that superficial platitudes typically are short-term and for the restless at heart – people who need to dig a lot deeper to have peace of mind and true joy (while I won’t go off on a spiritual soapbox, I will say that spirituality is the key to that peace). Wynonna did touch on that during her talk. Granted, I don’t know this woman’s business practices, industry reputation, nor do I care. I didn’t attend to judge her or praise her. I was simply reporting the high points of her talk to the group. Thanks again for your comments.
I'm so glad you captured all the memorable things she said!
Thanks Sissy!
I commend you. I honestly didn't think you would publish my post. Good for you.
Of course I would publish your comment; I welcome engagement and different perspectives. However, I do draw the line at vulgarity for anyone who can't say what they want to without resorting to lazy language. Feel free to get in touch anytime.
Susan — thanks for sharing the recap of Wynonna's presentation. I have always been a big fan of her music. You know what? We all have starts and stops…it is what makes us human. Screw up, admit it, do something about. Maybe you'll screw up again, maybe you won't.
The only difference between Wy and the rest of us common folk is she has the celebrity factor and a larger platform from which to speak.
As Ethel Mertz said, "we all put our pants on one leg at a time like everybody else". Wynonna's pants are just a lot more expensive! Thanks for commenting!