What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey

Do you know who you are? Do you know what your truest intention is? What do you know for sure?

We come into this world telling us who we cannot become and what we cannot do. I cared so much about what others thought. It seemed that other people knew me better than I knew myself back then.

We go through life carrying tensions and insecurities and discover at some point who we are. While we are doing this, we grow up, we struggle, we care, we love, we gain confidence and most importantly, we learn.

Now I know - I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself. As Oprah is saying:

“Having the courage to stand up and pursue your wildest dreams will give you life’s richest reward and life’s greatest adventure…Right now, no matter where you are, you are a single choice away from a new beginning.”

For fourteen years, Oprah Winfrey, my absolute role model, shared monthly inspiration and revelation in her column called “What I Know For Sure”. From all her experiences, including poverty, abuse, insecurities to working her way up, she has gleaned lots of life lessons. All her thoughtful gems have been revised, updated, and collected in a book. “What I Know For Sure” by Oprah Winfrey is a book of pure inspiration, revelation and comfort. Grouped into themes that matter in life, things like joy, resilience, connection, gratitude, possibility, awe, clarity and power – this book offers a rare, powerful and intimate glimpse into her heart, mind and soul.

“What I Know For Sure” is a guide for everyone to become her/his truest self. By talking about all the lessons the author struggled with, cried over, run from, circled back to, made peace with, laughed about, Oprah knows for sure that we live, and if we are open to the world, we learn.

“Pleasure is determined by how you view your whole life.”

Candid, moving, exhilarating, uplifting, and frequently humorous written, she asks the readers what would you do if you weren’t afraid of making a mistake, feeling rejected, looking foolish, or being alone? Arguing that when we remove our fear, the answers we’ve been searching will come into focus and our deepest struggle can, if we’re willing and open, produce our greatest strength.

“Who you’re meant to be evolves from where you are right now. So, learning to appreciate your lessons, mistakes, and setbacks as stepping stones to the future is a clear sign you’re moving in the right direction.”

Whether Oprah is walking her dogs, reading a book, brewing a cup of chai or soaking in the tub, Winfrey takes each moment and finds the good in it, takes pride in having lived it and embraces the message she’s received from that particular time.

By underlying “You have worth” she encourages us to give full responsibility to our life. The privilege to give ourselves, love, affection and intimacy.

No matter how difficult the path ahead seems, Oprah encourages to push past anxiety and keep on stepping. Whatever we can do, or dream we can, we should begin.

“What I know for sure is that whatever your situation is right now, you have played a major role in creating it. With every experience, you build your life, thought by thought, choice by choice.“

No matter where you are or what you’re doing right now, you should read this book. “What I Know For Sure” enriches your life. At least it did mine. I loved how I felt powerful and understood while I was gobbling up this book. The small thing I didn’t like about this book was, that the book ended with page 228. I know it’s highly unlikely, but Oprah, if you ever read my blog and this book review, you should know, how much wisdom and power you spread.

I recommend this fantastic book to everyone out there to remind you that you are enough. Be your best self; live your best life.

About the Author:

Oprah Winfrey made history with “The Oprah Winfrey Show” - the highest-rated program of its kind, launched her own television network, become the nation's only African-American billionaire, and been awarded both an honorary degree by Harvard University and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama.

My favourite quotes:

I know for sure: your journey begins with a choice to get up, step out, and live fully.

What I know for sure is that reading opens you up. It exposes you and gives you access to anything your mind can hold. What I love most about reading: It gives you the ability to reach higher ground.