Quotes from Oprah Winfrey

It's the airplane oxygen-mask theory: If you don't put on your mask first, you won't be able to save anyone else.

For me, there are actually two lenses through which to view 'what happened to you.' There is the science-based explanation of the effect early trauma has on the brain. And then there are the myriad daily actions each of us take throughout our lives that are the result of, and that reflect back on, such trauma. These are the actions that, on the surface, look like bad decisions, bad habits, self-sabotage, self-destruction-the actions that cause others to judge.

You radiate and generate more goodness for yourself; when you're aware of all you have

each of us, at our core, longs to be loved, needed, understood, affirmed—to have intimate connections that leave us feeling more alive and human.

The best way to be in the present moment is to be aware that you're not in the moment. As soon as you're aware that you're not in the moment, you're in the moment. — Deepak Chopra

I don't have any limitations on what I think I could do or be.

If you are not in control of the development of your life, or aware that your life needs developing, and you are just waking up every morning, going to a job, going through the motions, getting your paycheck, then really it's sort of like being the walking dead.

Books, for me, have always been a way to escape. They were my path to personal freedom. I actually learned to read at the age of three, and once I did, I quickly learned that there was a whole world beyond my grandmother's farm in Mississippi.

Our beliefs can move us forward in life - or they can hold us back.

When we hold secrets it creates shame, and shame is a great barrier to success because when you carry the shame you do not allow yourself to fulfill your greatest potential, you do not honour the truth of yourself, you do not honour what is your highest self. When you let go of the secret allows you to live to your full potential.

The old thing when you're pointing your finger, there's three fingers pointing back. And so I always tell people that whatever you focus on, you get more of. So if I'm gossiping about someone that I'm judging or being negative about, then I'm actually creating more negativity inside of me, and I'm not focusing on what I want.

Finding what naturally soothes you not only regulates your heart and mind, it helps you stay open to the goodness in you and in the world.

Turn your heart toward what is good by cultivating forgiveness and compassion and mindful presence.

When the universe compels me toward the best path to take, it never leaves me with maybe, should I, or even perhaps. I always know for sure when it's telling me to proceed - because everything inside me rises up to reverberate YES!

So when I feel overwhelmed, I usually go to a quiet place. A bathroom stall works wonders. I close my eyes, turn inward, and breathe until I can sense the still, small space inside me that is the same as the stillness in you, and in the trees, and in all things. I breathe until I can feel this space expand and fill me. And I always end up doing the exact opposite of screaming: I smile at the wonder of it all.

We only have twenty-four hours in a day. So you have a choice to walk with wise people and stack up more wisdom. Or you can become a companion of fools and your life will unravel.

Make the right decision even when nobody's looking and you will always turn out okay

Your vision is for you. And there will be many times when other people can't see your vision. That's all right because if God gave you the vision, God will give you the provision. God is not going to bring your provision through your sister's vision. It's going to come to you, for you, through you, as soon as you eliminate the deficiencies." — Iyanla Vanzant

My entire life is a miracle. And so is yours. That I know for sure. No matter how you came to be—whether you were wanted or "an accident" (as I was labeled for many years)—your being here to read these words is awesome.

Follow your passion; it will lead to your life purpose.

When you make loving others the story of your life, there's never a final chapter, because the legacy continues. You lend your light to one person, and he or she shines it on another and another and another.

Here's how I see your weight—it is your smoke detector. And we're all burning up the best part of our lives.

There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. Its why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.

BE THANKFUL for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never ever have enough.