On being a woman
Taking into account recent historical accomplishments of women, in April 2019 she wrote, "We have to make the choice—every single day—to exemplify the truth, the respect, and the grace that we wish for this world."
On the importance of family
"Family should be the place where you can be your most complete self," she wrote in the March 2019 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.
On the power of a good book
In December 2018, Oprah wrote: "That's what great books do, especially when shared. They shine a light on the unfolding of our own stories."
On staying positive in the face of hate
"Our goal must be decency and respect for every human we encounter," she said in the November 2018 issue.
On letting go of grudges
"Whatever your reason for holding on to resentments, I know this for sure: There is none worth the price you pay in lost time," she wrote in August 2017.
On the value of nature
In February 2019, Ms. Winfrey opened up about her love of the great outdoors: "Like the sky that is its canopy and the ocean that laps at its southern edge, it's a treasure no person could ever own."
On how we handle hard times
"All pain is the same; we just choose different ways to release it." In September 2018, she wrote about perspective, reveling in the ability to get closer to one another by understanding different mindsets.
On the power of changing your perspective
"The answers keep unfolding as your life expands, if you're willing to see things for what they are—and what they can be," she wrote in 2018, explaining her passion for helping people to see things in a different way.
On using her voice for good
"I refuse to be quiet in the face of injustice," Oprah wrote, remembering her 2018 Golden Globes speech and the rumor it sparked that she was running for president in 2020.
On persistence
In the September 2003 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, she wrote, "Passion is the log that keeps the fire of purpose blazing."
On taking care of your physical health
After a trip to her Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, Oprah felt run down after days of jet lag, unhealthy eating and—against her trainer's advice—neglecting workouts. This is what she took away from the experience, writing in the June 2006 issue: "Life is reciprocal: The energy you expend always comes back."
On seeking validation from others
"Look inward—the loving begins with you," she penned in January 2001.
On making time for yourself
"Alone time is when I distance myself from the voices of the world so I can hear my own," Oprah wrote in July 2005, explaining that she used to fear solitude—until her career began to revolve around interacting with others.
On facing betrayal
"When you know who you are and what you stand for, you stand in wisdom." In February 2007, Oprah wrote about the time a family member sold a story about her to The National Enquirer. She was devastated, staying in bed for three days. The account detailed her pregnancy at age 14, a part of her life that only close family and friends knew about. She then realized she had to forgive herself, more so than the person who betrayed her trust.
On spirituality
Spirituality is a huge part of Oprah's identity. That confidence in her spirit has allowed her to live with no fear, a feeling so powerful that she came to this conclusion in May 2008: "It's the greatest discovery of life: to recognize that you're more than your body and your mind."
On cutting out toxic relationships
"Good riddance to decisions that don't support self-worth," she wrote for the March 2010 issue, which focused on clutter and had Oprah thinking about all the extra things that can crowd one's life—not just old personal belongings but relationships that no longer add positive value to your existence.
On generosity
"The best gift anyone can give, I believe, is the gift of sharing themselves." In the December 2009 issue, Oprah wrote that she knew—and enjoyed—that her gifts can get pretty elaborate (homes, vacations around the world, cars), but in her opinion, the simpler, the better.
On trusting your instincts
"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 to true north." For the August 2011 issue, Oprah stressed the importance of trusting your instincts, a practice she credits for her successes. And as someone who has followed her intuition no matter what, she's learned that it's okay to sometimes feel lost.
On preparing for change
"Change is the one constant we can all be sure of." Four years after The Oprah Winfrey Show ended, she reflected in April 2015 on how her newfound spare time left her with the ability to decide how she'd move on in life—and she embraced it.
On gratitude
"That's the gift of gratitude: In order to feel it, your ego has to take a backseat." Oprah insisted that gratitude was the easiest way to cause positive change, overwriting the negativity in your life, in the December 2013 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.
