Ever since I joined the ranks of parenthood back in 2008, it became these types of episodes on Oprah which would resonate with me most. Some of the most powerful lessons I’ve ever learned about being a mum (and the best Mum I could be) came from witnessing the marvels that featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

By far my most treasured memory is the show which introduced to the world Warrior Mum, Monica Jorge. The day I watched this I was a new (exhausted and rather too sad) Mum, responsible for a 6 week old baby, suffering from sleep deprivation and excruciating side effects from a traumatic birth experience. Yet here was this upbeat, optimistic mother, who had endured a labour exceedingly worse than mine could ever be considered, leaving her with significantly limiting disabilities and she chose to take the path of positivism.

Monica uttered such a simple statement that I have never forgotten; and instantly my eyes were wide with renewed awareness. “What good are you to your children if you’re miserable?”

My son too deserved a happy Mummy, and it was one of the first steps I took towards shaking off my after childbirth funk I’d fallen into.

Then there was Brenda Slaby, who’s harrowing tale made me realise I need to stop…. To slow the hell down…. To remember to breathe. Horrific accidents can happen when you try to juggle too many balls in your world and I have NEVER forgotten her wretchedly tear stained face for a moment since I saw this painful mother recount the day she forgot to drop her daughter at childcare, with deadly, heartbreaking consequences.

However, there have also been some lessons which reminded me miracles can occur, like with the Coble family. After losing their little son and young daughters in a shocking car accident, life would eventually bless them with triplets (you guessed it, a son and two daughters….)

Each of these episodes have taught me how to be a more present mother and what my priorities should actually be, and it is all thanks to Oprah and her amazing team for bringing these life lessons to my attention.