Last night, we saw Ellen DeGeneres on her Last Stand…Up Tour.
​ Ellen has been silent for two years since her show ended after 19 years.
​ The show ended because former employees complained about a toxic workplace created by producers and senior managers.
​ This devastated Ellen because she's all about making people happy and having fun.
​ She never imagined the show would be so successful.
​ Looking back, she admits she wasn't as involved in daily activities of the show as she should have been.
​ She was overwhelmed.
​ She said “I know that I'm in a position of privilege and power, and I realize that with that comes responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show.”
​ After two years of self-reflection, she's sharing her thoughts on her farewell tour before she goes into retirement.
​ Ellen admitted it's been a tough journey but now she's in a place where she can talk about how she was kicked out of show business…twice.
​ Once for being gay.
​ And now because of the accusations about a toxic workplace.
​ The show last night was funny from beginning to end with a lot of vulnerability mixed in.
​ It was very emotional at times.
​ Ellen shared that her mother has dementia and doesn't always remember her.
​ Recently she asked Ellen if she graduated from college.
​ When Ellen said no, her mother said “Too bad, I would have been proud of you.”
​ What has Ellen been up to for the past two years?
​ She's focused on doing things that make her happy.
​ What makes her happy after a successful 40-year career in comedy?
​ Spending time with her chickens.
​ She's also working out and meditating every day.
​ During a Q&A session at the end of the show, one woman said she wanted to be just like Ellen and wanted advice.
​ She wanted to be a standup comedian and have a successful television show.
​ Ellen told her not to focus on being a standup comedian and having a successful show.
​ Focus on what makes you happy and don't imitate other people.
​ Be genuine and authentic.
​ Be yourself.
​
My biggest takeaway from the show?
​
Focus on what makes you happy.
​ So what makes you happy?
Ted
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