“What I Know For Sure” by Oprah Winfrey

Review

The lessons in this book are divided into 8 themes: Joy, Resilience, Connection, Gratitude, Possibility, Awe, Clarity, and Power. Members of the reading group appreciated how Oprah shared some of her most intimate and challenging stories in this collection. They loved the fact that books have had such a deep impact on her life and that still today one of her favourite pastimes is reading!

They took it in turns to share the stories that inspired them the most: from keeping a gratitude journal to handling life’s challenges by finding balance or simply standing; from learning better ways to communicate with others to creating gossip-free zones at home and in the work place; from learning to say ‘No’ to breathing easy and realizing that life is a miracle. At the end of our discussion, we noticed that most of our favourite stories were in the themes Awe, Gratitude, Power, and Resilience.

Finally, I asked readers to think of ONE thing ‘You Know For Sure’ that they were prepared to share with the group! Here is what they shared:

• I Know For Sure that life isn’t meant to be difficult, that we are meant to live with ease. (Jana)
• I Know For Sure that you can make yourself happy by changing the way you think about things. (Sarah)
• I Know For Sure that having fun is underrated, that being ‘easily amused’ is a great gift. (Breege)
• I Know For Sure that getting older puts many things into perspective and you become calmer. (Natalia)
• I Know For Sure that when you have a burning desire to achieve something in life, you will do so. (Nicola)

Favourite Quote

Books, for me, used to be a way to escape. I now consider reading a good book a sacred indulgence, a chance to be any place I choose. It is my absolute favorite way to spend time. 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. And keep climbing. (p.26, Joy)

Synopsis

From all her experiences, Oprah Winfrey has gleaned life lessons – which, for fourteen years, she shared in O, The Oprah Magazine’s widely popular ‘What I Know For Sure’ column. These thoughtful gems have now been revised, updated and collected in this beautiful book packed with insight and revelation. Organized by theme, they offer a rare and powerful glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s most extraordinary women, while providing readers a guide to becoming their best selves… Read more

Self-Help Spring Season Reading list (Apr – Jun 2017)

“Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive” by Jack Canfield, et al
“What I Know For Sure” by Oprah Winfrey
“The Mastery of Self: A Toltec Guide to Personal Freedom” by Don Miguel Ruiz Jr.