The Conversation That Inspired Oprah to Step Outside Her Comfort Zone
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Every week, Oprah is setting an intention—exclusively for Oprah Insiders—with reflections on themes like letting go, forgiveness, reaping what you so, and more. Each day this week, you'll find ideas for bringing some much-needed coziness into your life.
Saturday, October 30: Inspiration to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
This week, we’ve shared tips for making your bath time (not to mention your TV time) more blissful, the best books to curl up with this fall, a recipe that’ll nourish both your body and soul—all of which will help make your cozy time more restorative than ever. It also means you’ll feel more able to step (or, at the very least, tiptoe) outside your comfort zone.
That’s important because taking a risk, no matter how big or small, can lead to life-changing rewards—which is a lesson Oprah learned when she interviewed Shonda Rhimes for an episode of Super Soul Sunday. Here, she reflects on their transformational talk.
“I'm really comfortable in the beautiful box of life that surrounds me. I enjoy being no place more than home, whether that's in California or Maui. My favorite gathering spaces for friends and family are the dinner table, the front porch and the kitchen. And reading all day makes me joyously content.
So why would I want to step out of my intentionally created and deeply satisfying comfort zone? Until recently, I'd have said, "Trust me, I wouldn't!" But a conversation with Shonda Rhimes for Super Soul Sunday has broadened my perspective.
After years of rarely venturing beyond her familiar realms of work and family, the self-proclaimed introvert—and mastermind überproducer of the hit TV shows Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder and The Catch—made a decision to say yes to every invitation for one year.
Result number one: Shonda's first book, Year of Yes.
Result number two (the way more important one!): pure transformation. Shonda neither looks nor is the same as she was a year ago. She's lost 110 pounds. She's so much more engaged. As her book chronicles, saying yes to heretofore anxiety-making experiences like speeches, parties and media appearances opened up the world to her.
Blowing out of your comfort zone can be life-changing.
This was my fourth interview with Shonda—and the first where I felt like she was fully present, not guarded or distant. She told me she barely remembers our previous encounters because she was overcome with white-hot fear. Anxiety blurred the whole experience. This time, when we finished the interview, she even said yes to lunch.
Yes for a year? I'm not ready to commit so far down the road. But I'm open to today. And tomorrow. And then...who's to say? Before you know it, I might be taking tango lessons with Robert Duvall.”
Friday, October 29: Whip Up a Big Batch of Soup
When the weather outside is frightful—or even just a little chilly—there’s nothing more delightful than a hearty bowl of soup. That’s why we asked Oprah’s chef, Raymond Weber, to share a recipe that’s as comforting as your favorite fall sweater: spicy sausage and autumn vegetable soup. The relatively new recipe—which Chef Raymond made on a particularly cold and foggy day is packed with crumbles of well-seasoned sausage, beans that are big on flavor, and a bounty of ultra-aromatic herbs and vegetables, so it’ll warm and nourish both your body and soul. Oh, and did we mention it tastes even better the next day?
Ingredients:
4 oz. spicy turkey, chicken, or pork sausage (raw and casing removed)
6 cups vegetable or chicken stock (warm)
1 cup diced yellow onions
1 cup cooked kidney beans
1 cup cooked white beans
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup white corn
2 cup chopped kale
½ cup diced carrots
½ cup diced button mushrooms
½ cup diced rutabaga
½ cup diced celery
½ cup diced yukon potatoes
½ cup diced bell peppers
2 tablespoons chopped jalapeños
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned, breaking up the meat into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Remove and set aside.
2. Add the onions, carrots, kale, celery, rutabaga, mushrooms, and chili flakes, and season generously with salt and pepper. When the vegetables are slightly tender, stir in the garlic, corn, potatoes, bell peppers and jalapeños and cook until fragrant, about 3 to for 4 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, cayenne, and thyme. Once the tomatoes have broken down, about 1 to 2 minutes, pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, as well as the cooked beans and sausage, and stir until combined. Season again with salt and pepper, then lower the heat to medium-low and cook for at least another 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how tender you like your vegetables.
4. Chill the soup in an ice bath (place a storage container in a large bowl filled with ice and cold water, then transfer the soup to the container) and fold in the fresh thyme, basil, and lemon juice. Let it sit for at least a few hours or overnight, so the flavors can blend together.
5. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the soup and top with grated parmesan cheese, fresh cracked black pepper, and fresh herbs.
Thursday, October 28: Curl Up With a Good Book
If you consider yourself a book lover, chances are, you can easily get lost in a great read anytime and anywhere. But there’s also something particularly special about carving out your own little corner or nook that’s solely dedicated to your favorite pastime. “It's a ritual,” Oprah has said of spending time in her private library. “I come here, and I'm so fulfilled. I will rarely go out. I can just entertain myself.”
But you don’t need a space as large as a room to create your own reading area—it can be an intentionally-placed comfy chair, an empty closet, a spacious stair landing, or even that awkward corner that you’re not sure what to do with. Once you’ve picked your spot, ask yourself: What would make a good book even more enjoyable? That might include a stylish yet supportive armchair, a cushy ottoman so you can kick up your feet, a sleek reading lamp, a variety of super-soft throw blankets and pillows, and a little side table overflowing with scented candles, plants, and, of course, plenty of reading material. (For more book nook inspiration, check out these inventive ideas.)
Now, speaking of riveting reads, no matter where you cozy up, you’ll need something to spend the afternoon with. Thankfully, our books editor Leigh Haber has a few noteworthy suggestions:
Please Don’t Sit On My Bed in Your Outside Clothes by Phoebe Robinson: “If a good laugh wrapped up in a brilliant insight makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, Phoebe Robinson's latest is a don't miss.”
The Soul of a Woman by Isabel Allende: “This is a brief and powerful memoir by an author and activist whose commitment to feminism is as ingrained as the literary talent that has produced such masterpieces as The House of The Spirits.”
Fuzz by Mary Roach: “Though most of the wild things Mary Roach writes about in Fuzz aren't exactly snuggly (watch out for snarling leopards and wayward elephants) there's something reassuring about the way this insanely talented author's take on the relationship between misbehaving humans and misbehaving critters is a potent and entertaining cry for tolerance and compassion.”
On Animals by Susan Orlean: “Alternatively, for an intimately gorgeous portrait of the bond between human and pet, settle in with this thoroughly delightful volume of essays on creatures great and small.”
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett: “This radiant collection of personal essays will encourage even the most introverted among us to reach out and touch someone.”
Writers and Lovers by Lily King: “This is sublime: a novel so rich with intelligence, humor and drama that it will stay with you long after you've turned off the lights, closed your eyes, and drifted off to a contented sleep, dreaming of protagonist Casey and the entanglements of youth, art, and love.”
Monster in the Middle by Tiphanie Yanique: “The insanely gifted author of 2014's Land of Love and Drowning delivers another perspective-shifter with Monster In The Middle, a love story that always keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s just the thing for those who like their cozy with a little spice.”
Wednesday, October 27: Re-evaluate Your Work Wardrobe
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably spent a good portion of the past 18 months in some combination of sweatpants and sweatshirts, athleisure, and, let’s face it, pajamas. But now, with an increasing number of offices opening back up, it’s time to think about what to wear to work again—and that thought might feel frightening, if not totally foreign.
According to Oprah Daily’s creative director, Adam Glassman, your return-to-work wardrobe can be quite simple and, perhaps even better, you don’t have to sacrifice the level of comfort that you’ve become accustomed to. “I’m a big believer in uniform dressing and right now is a wonderful time to come up with a uniform that works for you,” he says. “Many retailers are trying to offer customers a middle ground, so if your work uniform for the past year and a half has been loungewear, there’s an elevated version of that for the office.”
Here, he shares eight stylish (but still comfy) pieces that’ll get the job done.
Stretchy pants: “You have to ease yourself back in, so any fabric with stretch will be your best friend. If you’re used to wearing sweatpants, there are now joggers in nicer materials, like gabardine stretch. Another option I always recommend are pants made from ponte jersey—a knit that has the look of tailored pants, but with the feel of leggings. To take it one step further, you could even try corduroys, which are having a big comeback and are available in just about every style, color, and price point.”
Dressy sneakers or flats: “Whether it’s a tricked-out pair of kicks or cute slip-ons, sneakers are still having a moment—in part because they go with just about everything, from dresses to pants to skirts, you name it. If you want something a little more formal, though, you can’t go wrong with a flat, especially now that a lot are made from flexible materials and/or have memory foam built into the footbed.”
A knit blazer or jacket: “Every single person needs some kind of blazer or tailored jacket—it creates the appearance of a strong shoulder and smaller waistline, which gives people confidence. Plus, knits are very popular this season, so there are a lot of options that are more breathable and easier to move in, yet still have the refined look of a traditional blazer.”
A smoothing tank top: “Layering is a great way to be comfortable, and that starts with a tank top that feels super soft and has a close fit. Something made from nylon and spandex will give you the feel of your favorite workout top, but you can wear a cute V-neck sweater, a button-down shirt, or even a cardigan over it. One thing to keep in mind when layering: If you’re wearing something loose on bottom, you want to wear something more streamlined and tighter fitting on top, or vice versa.”
A comfortable bra: “The most exciting thing right now is that no matter your cup size, you don’t have to feel obliged to wear an underwire. There are so many great foam bras for even those ladies who traditionally have felt like they needed an underwire.”
A chic cardigan or duster: “I strongly believe that everyone should leave a nice cardigan or duster at the office, and many brands are now embracing a cozy, cocoon shape. Barefoot Dreams, which is known for its loungewear, even offers a safari-style jacket that pairs great with trousers, skirts, and shifts, and has the feel of a cozy bathrobe.”
A stylish dress: “Not only are they super easy—you just slip it on and go—but there is also no longer just one big trend. Knit dresses, floaty dresses, and feminine dresses are all really popular right now, so it’s almost like anything goes. Plus, you can transition many of your summer dresses into a fall look by layering it over a white shirt or ribbed turtleneck, then adding a long knit cardigan, tights, and a pair of boots.
A purse organizer: “Now that you’re headed back to work, you might be taking a bus or commuting on a train, so you need to be able to easily grab your mask or hand sanitizer without digging through your bag. A purse organizer or pouch is perfect for this because you can toss it in your tote one day and your handbag the next.”
Tuesday, October 26: Have a Gayle-Approved Night In
Is there anything cozier than a night spent curled up on the couch, wrapped in a warm blanket, watching some great TV? According to Gayle, the answer is no—especially now that the weather has become cooler and crisper. “It’s my favorite thing to do,” she says. Here, Gayle shares her three essentials for the perfect night in:
Starbucks White Hot Chocolate: “Emphasis on the white, and preferably from Starbucks. I love their hot chocolate!”
A good TV show: “Thanks to Netflix, Apple TV+, Hulu, HBOMax, and all the other streaming services, there are more options than ever for what to watch. Honestly, it’s getting so hard to keep up that I have to say to people, ‘Please don't tell me about another show.’ But, of course, they do—and then I end up watching it, loving it, and thinking, Oh god, now I have to find time for this, too. That happened with Hacks, which by the way, was so good. I’m so glad I saw it. Right now, the three I’m recommending to people are:
Ted Lasso: It just makes you feel so good about people and life. Though, to be fair, I have yet to see the end of the second season, which I hear is pretty jarring.
The Morning Show: I was sold on this show simply because (a) it stars Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon and (b), they’re also morning news anchors. I’m neither Alex or Bradley, but I love their characters.
Insecure: There’s something about the way Issa Rae captures the ups and downs of black relationships—whether they’re romantic ones or friendships—that feels particularly relatable and authentic. It’s not filled with drama and trauma; it’s just regular people doing regular things.”
A tasty treat: “In my book, anything cheesy or gooey or with icing is very good, like the cult-favorite cookies from Levain Bakery. A few varieties—including my personal favorite, oatmeal raisin—are now available in the frozen food aisle, so you can enjoy the doughy, crispy, and ooey-gooey goodness fresh from your oven.”
Monday, October 25: Maximize the Soothing Effects of a Bath
Oprah’s happy place? Her bathtub. In fact, the self-described “bathing connoisseur” once declared that for over a decade, her onyx tub—which had been carved to fit the precise shape of her body—was her most prized possession. That’s because as a child, raised in a 1,100-square-foot home, it was her job to regularly clean the one the family shared. “The tub had become my symbol of success,” she said. “For some people it might be shoes and handbags, cars, square footage, where you or your children attended school. For me it was a tub.”
Not to mention that it also offers her a restorative escape, a place where she can truly relax and recharge. “It's my ritual," says Oprah. “It’s where I go to get ideas. To be inspired. To calm myself.” According to marine biologist and Blue Mind author Wallace J. Nichols, PhD, that mood-boosting reaction even has scientific support: “When we step up to the bath, a neurochemical switch begins—stress hormones like cortisol decrease, our breathing and our heart rate slows, and we move into a more relaxed, clear state of mind, resembling what occurs in our brains during meditation,” he told Oprah Daily. “What’s happening when you submerge is a deep evolutionary response to water that all mammals have. It’s a signal that you’re safe and secure, that you’re in the right place.”
To make the most of your me time, try setting an intention before stepping in the tub. “Go into the bath with an understanding of what you’d like to leave behind and release—and what you want the water to clear,” Deborah Hanekamp, author of Ritual Baths: Be Your Own Healer, told Oprah Daily. “That’ll change the entire experience for you.” Of course, it also helps to have the right mix of goodies, like soothing bath salts, a rich bubble bath formula, a plush bathrobe, comfy slippers, and a sophisticated scented candle. Ahead, a few of Oprah’s favorites:
Sunday, October 24: Oprah's Message About Finding Your Cozy
Hello, Oprah Insiders!
I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. Today, I want to talk about something I believe we all need in our lives, and that is a little bit of coziness. I’m talking about the things that are comfy and cushy, the things that just make you feel good, that feel like wrapping yourself in a warm hug both physically and emotionally. But I know for sure that you’ve got to find your own cozy.
Now for me, it’s here in my window seat. I love looking out at the yard, at the ocean. It’s very soothing to me. But I believe—I believe in some comfort and cozy, that’s why I love a window seat and a good blanket. And for some of you, cozy could mean sharing comfort food with a loved one, slipping into yummy PJs after work, watching a movie cuddled up on the couch, or just sitting in your favorite chair after dinner for just a few minutes just to recharge. Cozy comfort can also come from…Sadie howling in the corner, yes, finding her own cozy. Or you finding a conversation with a friend that you haven’t spoken to in a while or a leisurely walk to revitalize in this crisp fall air looking at all the beautiful colors. It’s all about designing that ahh moment for yourself.
The idea of coziness may sound like an indulgence—Sadie, please I’m talking—or it may, I believe, be a necessity for self-care. Because there’s so much going on in the world right now and slowing down, resting, and giving yourself comfort helps you refuel your own cup, really, before you start trying to give it all to everybody else.
So, this week on OprahDaily.com, we’re welcoming you into comfort zone with soothing finds—think deliciously soft bathrobes and slippers that feel like you’re walking on clouds. I don’t like slippers; I actually like socks. And Gayle is going to give you some of her picks. We’re going to also share some fantastic books and help you create a cozy corner in your home. And what I’m hoping is, every day this week you’ll usher in some well-deserved cozy into your life. So, I really want to know, what is your favorite cozy? Share with me in the comments. And have the coziest week ever. Cheers!
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