What I Know For Sure....(Oprah Started Something)

Oprah started something.  For years, she's shared her "What I Know For Sure" column in O magazine with readers.  I'm no Oprah, but as I get older, there are more and more things I absolutely, 100% know for sure about myself.  Here are just a few:

• I prefer dogs to cats.
• I'm a writer.
• I hate oatmeal, milk, yogurt and the Lakers.
• I'll always be a few pounds overweight (It's called "thickness").
• I love smart men.
• I love smart women.
• I'm private, not secretive (There's a difference).
• I'm terrified of snakes and bad politicians.
• My faith is rarely shaken.
• I will always love and appreciate a good book. 

It's always good to take a sec and reflect on yourself from time to time.  Be honest about what you know for sure (thus far in your life).  Do an assessment.  Do you like yourself?  Are you complicated?  What makes you smile?  Are you a work in progress like me?  Just some things to think about....  

My Oprah Aha Moments.....

I'll admit, working in PR has its advantages and perks. My friends like to say I attend dinners, events and golf tournaments all the time, and that's my job.  Not true.  But I do get to experience a lot of fun, memorable moments.

One of my best?  Getting to see Oprah live in Atlanta!  An hour-long session (felt like lunch with my fairy God-mother) where I listened, laughed and discovered my passion.  Well, re-discovered it.... (It's writing for me).

Soooo many Oprah Aha moments!  I wish everyone could have experienced what I did.  Here's some of what she said....

• Strength x strength x strength over time = Power!
• If you stop growing, you stop living.
• On being scared... Sit with yourself. Clarity comes from within, from God.  Not Facebook!
• On challenges/problems... Ask yourself, "What is this here to teach me?" instead of "Why is this happening to me?"
• The universe will meet you where you are. God will meet you where you are. (So deep...) 
• On making a difference... Start in your own house. The biggest difference you can make in the world is how you live your life.
• You are worthy because....you were born. (My favorite!)
• I don't care what the media says about OWN.  I KNOW who I am.
• While you're praying and asking and waiting on God....God is waitin' on you. 




Miss O, telling one of her funny stories...



(PINK) Public Service Announcement

Martin Luther King, Jr. day is officially observed on January 17^th.  Some folks see it as the most-awaited first holiday break of the year and some see it as a time to reflect and rejoice.  I choose the latter. 

Dr. King’s life is a movement and it didn’t end in 1968.  I was a part of it in 2008, when President Obama became the 44^th President of the United States.  I can experience it 24-hours a day on a cable network called OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) and I’m encouraged by it when I think of people like Bill Gates, Marian Edelman and Hydeia Broadbent.

My favorite quote by Dr. King is actually a question:

"Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"

My answer: Not enough.  What's yours?