1. On life where life takes you
“No matter where you are on your journey, that’s exactly where you need to be, The next road is always ahead.”
In 2015, four years on from The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah spoke of how she was embracing the change. “It was a life-altering shift,” she said. “Now I fully embrace the change.”
2. On overcoming hatred
“Our goal must be decency and respect for every human we encounter.”
In November of 2018, Oprah penned an essay on the importance of overcoming hatred in today’s world. “We have reached a tipping point,” she said. “Hatred and divisiveness have ruptured our national soul.”
The essay spoke of the power each of us have in changing the world for the better. “Don’t underestimate your power. Hate is potent, but so is kindness. And goodness, and grace. Use yours generously.”
3. On the joys of solitude
“Alone time is when I distance myself from the voices of the world so I can hear my own.”
In 2005, Oprah said she used to be afraid of solitude, but since then, she’s come to love it. “These days I’m often surrounded by other people,” she said. “So when I get to spend time with just me, I delight in every moment.”
4. On trusting your intuition
“When you don’t know what to do, do nothing. Get quiet so you can hear the still, small voice – your inner GPS guiding you true north.”
Reflecting on the major decisions she’s made in her life, Oprah said she’s always trusted her instincts. “I’ve trusted the still, small voice of intuition my entire life. And the only time I’ve made mistakes is when I didn’t listen.”
5. On gratitude
“That’s the gift of gratitude: in order to feel it, your ego has to take a backseat.”
In a 2013 essay, Oprah said that gratitude was the easiest way to cause positive change and overcome negativity in your life.
6. On being a woman in 2020
“We are standing up for what we believe—and taking a stand on behalf of others.”
Last year, Oprah reflected on the greatness of being a woman in today’s society. “We have to make the choice—every single day—to exemplify the truth, the respect, and the grace that we wish for this world,” she said.
