Montel Williams on Oprah
Living Well Emotionally
During the interview Williams discussed the challenges and heartaches of dealing with Muscular Sclerosis (MS). The talk show host began the interview by thanking Oprah for the positive influence she has had on him personally. In particular, he noted how people referred to him as the “male Oprah” when his own talk show first began 17 years ago.
Montel Explains How Multiple Sclerosis Works
Montel appeared on the show with his doctor. Together the men explained how MS works. Viewers may have been surprised to learn that the disease impacts everyone differently. Montel noted that around the globe someone is diagnosed with the disease each hour.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the disease is a chronic illness that attacks the central nervous system. Areas that the disease weakens are the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Effects of the disease can be felt over the entire body. MS is not contagious. Its symptoms vary from person to person.
Most people with the disease have a life expectancy similar to that of people who do not have the disease. The disease occurs in four stages: Relapsing/Remitting, Primary/Progressive, Secondary/Progressive and Progressive/Relapsing with the latter stage being the most severe.
Montel Williams Personal Experience
For Montel Williams the pain is predominantly in his feet and lower leg area, down near his calves. During the emotional interview he explained that before he left his talk show a year ago, he would take longer than usual commercial breaks, go to his dressing room and weep due to the pain he was living through. Then he would take in a breath, return to the set and finish interviewing his guest.
At one point, Montel said he tried to end his life after being diagnosed and living with the disease. He changed his mind about throwing in the towel after a cab driver helped him out of the street, asked if he was okay and told him that he was needed, that he helped to improve someone’s life. Today Williams, who is currently on the other side of the talk show circuit and appearing on television as a guest, said he is looking for work but not giving up.
The Popular Talk Show Host Today
After several years of dealing with depression (another symptom of the disease), Montel Williams has learned to tap into his inner strength to remain happy and increase his chances of being healthy. He remains fit by watching his diet, working with psychologists to focus his thoughts and energy and by exercising regularly.
After he met then married his wife in October 2007, Williams found another steady source of support. During his interview with Oprah, the 52-year old credited his wife for supporting him from the very start. In fact, it was his wife’s father who introduced Williams to fishing, now one of his favourite pastimes.
At first, Montel said he didn’t think he would like to fish, but that the sport has now become one of his favorite things to do. Fishing helps him to relax and take the time to appreciate life.
About the Book, Living Well Emotionally
After a failed suicide attempt, Montel had an epiphany. He realized that the cab driver was right. He saw how he could help to empower and strengthen others. It is this sudden yet enduring change that Montel addresses in his new book, Living Well Emotionally. Some of the tips that he provides in Living Well Emotionally are regarding listening to and following your inner spiritual guidance, forgiving yourself and others, letting go and letting life flow rather than trying to force things to happen when and how you want them to and appreciating all the beauty that surrounds us.
Montel Williams
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Oprah Winfrey
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