What I Know For Sure - Oprah Winfrey

Book Summary: Oprah Winfrey is an exceptional creative force who has been through a lot in her live - joy, resilience, connection, gratitude, possibility, awe, clarity, and power. These themes within her life present themselves as essays within her book, providing readers an intimate and profound glimpse into the lessons she's learnt over her eccentric life. Not only does she provide this glimpse, but also proves to be a guide for those trying to become their best self.

My Thoughts: I was introduced to this book by a lovely friend, Veiongo, during a recent work trip back to Sydney, Australia. Whilst this book was intended to be given to me prior to me moving to Singapore, it has still proven to be a guide for how I can live my best life to the very fullest. It also seems to have come at the best time, after I've been able to settle into my new environment and soak up the opportunities I've been given.

I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book prior to reading it, especially since the blurb on the back only consists of a quote from Oprah herself stating, "I know for sure: Your journey begins with a choice to get up, step out, and live fully". Given that Oprah is who she is, perhaps she doesn't exactly need another author supporting the credibility of the book. From the quote, I assumed it was more of a self help book (but I still secretly hoped that by the end of the book she would jump out, offering me a free car). Whilst this didn't exactly happen, I did however learn numerous lessons from the O herself, including:

• Finding joy in the simple things - We often get so caught up in the small, negative things that happen during our day, but how often do we stop to reflect on all the blessings we've received? Something so fundamental and important, and something that we've somehow forgotten in the tough times. Oprah made a list in the book of some of the things that make her happy. Here is my list, in all it's glory: 

• When the MRT comes on time 
• A run so fast that my body aches 
• Freshly squeezed orange juice 
• A good book to read 
• The ease in speaking to my mum on the phone via WhatsApp every day (who remembers having to buy phone cards 10 years ago to call people overseas?)
• A clean, tidy room
• Kaya toast
• The fruit shop in front of my block (they sell durians and the smell comes through my window!)
• The feeling of putting moisturizer on my face
• A brand new highlighter and pen with lots of ink
• Doing crafts!
• Switching off distractions and focusing on YOU - Given the updated, fast paced world we're living in now, it is now more important more than ever to take the time out to re-centre and re-align yourself. It's only a matter of time until that slight deviation from your normal self can cause disruption in the future. As cheesy and obvious as it sounds, your health should always take first priority. She uses the metaphor of the oxygen mask to explain this perfectly - put the oxygen mask on yourself before you help others. Your gut instinct is to help the child, but how can you help the child if you've passed out?  
• Not worrying about what other people think and stick to your lane - I really liked this lesson she included because she discussed her experiences in her early years as an anchorwoman. All the people around her told her she couldn't achieve, but she remained steadfast on her goals. She ignored the naysayers and was determined to prove them wrong. What kept her going was ultimately the quest for possibility and opportunity to reach her aspirations. Had she listened to those around her, she may not have reached the success she has today.
• There will always be an 'aha' moment - Oprah frequently mentions in the book about her moments of realization of blessings in life, calling them her 'aha' moments. Need to have more of those. 

This collection of little wisdom is most definitely worth a read. The essays are at max 10 pages long and are not outrightly connected from one essay to the next, making them a great quick read to get your spirits up to feel inspired. Reading them for each day over 2 weeks on my daily commute really left me excited to reap all the opportunities of my day. Thank you Veiongo for this special book, it is most certainly worth a read.