At 71, Iyanla Vanzant has finally opened up about her decision to leave *The Oprah Winfrey Show* after almost a decade of being a regular fixture on the program.

Her departure, which came in May, surprised many, and speculation about her reasons behind leaving began to swirl. However, Iyanla has now revealed the true motivations behind her life-changing decision, including the challenges she faced while working on the show and the toll it took on her personal peace and freedom.

Iyanla’s time on *The Oprah Winfrey Show* was marked by significant public scrutiny and constant criticism. Not only did she have to face harsh feedback from viewers about her appearance and statements, but she also endured threats, including death threats, due to her work. For Iyanla, the pressure of constantly being in the public eye and subject to such criticism became too much.

She described the experience as overwhelming and said she was tired of being scrutinized for things like her hair, nails, and other aspects of her appearance. The negative energy she received from the public, amplified through social media and emails, made her realize it was time to step away from the show.

Despite the intense pressure, Iyanla explained that when she made the decision to leave, she had no doubt it was the right one. She trusted her intuition and went through a period of reflection to ensure she was confident in her choice.

“When I get an intuitive hit or guidance to do something, I sit with it until it’s solid in me,” she said. She understood that once she expressed her decision, she would face others’ doubts and fears, but she felt secure in her own resolve. For Iyanla, leaving the show was not just about quitting a job; it was about reclaiming her peace, her freedom, and her personal well-being.

Freedom, she explained, was a core value for her, and continuing on the show meant sacrificing that freedom. Iyanla had grown tired of being controlled by the expectations of others, whether that be regarding her image or her content. She wanted to be free of criticism and the emotional toll it took on her. In her words, “I wanted freedom to be, to do, to go,” something that a regular TV show couldn’t provide.

The speculation about Iyanla’s departure also led some to wonder if Oprah Winfrey played a role in her leaving. Some fans questioned whether Oprah had done enough to protect Iyanla from the intense public criticism and death threats she received. However, both Iyanla and Oprah have maintained that there was no animosity between them.

While some believed there could have been more behind the scenes, there’s no indication that Oprah had any part in Iyanla’s decision to step away from the show.

Now that she’s left the spotlight of *The Oprah Winfrey Show*, Iyanla has shifted her focus to something deeply meaningful: her mission to help people find purpose and awareness. She is committed to awakening one million people to the truth of their existence, teaching them how to live in peace and joy.

Through her new work, Iyanla aims to end suffering, especially the kind of emotional pain that stems from unresolved issues like unforgiveness and self-criticism. She’s also found more time to reconnect with her personal life, acknowledging past mistakes, such as her struggles with motherhood, but focusing on a more peaceful and purpose-driven future.

Iyanla’s departure from the show and her new journey reflect her desire for peace, freedom, and a deeper connection to her true self. She is no longer bound by the pressures of fame and is focused on making a positive impact on the lives of others. With her new mission, she is determined to guide people toward healing and joy, one person at a time.