I was purging and sorting last weekend and found a book a friend loaned me in a basket under papers. I know it was originally on the coffee table, went into the basket when I needed space on the table and then had papers tossed on top of it. Forgotten. It is Oprah’s What I Know For Sure book.
This got me thinking what do I know for sure? So, I thought I’d share my take on it. Here goes.
- I know for sure there are times I need to keep my mouth shut. I do not have to offer my opinion on everything and sometimes it is not wanted. All that is needed and/or wanted is for me to listen and validate.
- I know for sure I have NEVER regretted travel. Seeing new places, new experiences and meeting new people. It is one of the best educational opportunities I have ever had.
- I know for sure other people’s’ sandwiches are always more tasty than mine. ALL THE TIME.
- I know for sure that sleep is important. If I am going to crack it is likely because I haven’t gotten enough sleep and the situation is raw for me. I just feel more fragile and have a harder time keeping it together.
- I know for sure there are consequences. Every decision I make has a consequence. Don’t kid yourself not making a decision or choice has a consequence. It is thinking through those consequences and dealing with the fallout that I have to also consider.
- I know for sure that a cup of coffee or tea will take the edge off. If nothing else it slows me down to sit and go through what is happening in a more logical and slower pace. It quiets me and yes does take the edge off.
- I know for sure I have regretted more of what I didn’t do or pursue than things I have done. The majority of things I have done/seen/tried I don’t regret. Yes, a few I will not be doing again, but doing them once I know now that wasn’t my thing. I am not questioning myself every year should I, could I? No. Wasn’t for me. Full stop. No regret.
- I know for sure that a good book is a great escape for me. It can teleport me somewhere different with friends or foes to conquer. A good book (better yet a series) always captures my imagination long after I finish the book.
- I know for sure if I don’t ask I will never receive or know. Sometimes I can’t do it alone and it is humbling to have to ask for help. People want to help and support but sometimes they need the push, because believe it or not they can’t read our minds. Seriously.
- I know for sure that if I can get outside and walk I will be okay. This goes for a headache, stress, decompress, well you name it. If I can pull my broken body outside than yeah I know I will feel better.
The above is what I know for sure for me. I would love to hear in the comments what you know for sure.
You can always start now !
You can always start now 
Great list! I know for sure that I beat myself up over things way too much and need to go easier on myself! I also know for sure that I should have more confidence in my abilities as I am good at what I do!
LikeLike
I am with you on the beating myself up and having more confidence. I think the more we put ourselves out there, the more confidence will come. Plus realizing we have to get our confidence within not from other people as they might not always be the best source. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
LikeLike
I love this post Bren!! You to the core….Made me laugh and a couple made my eyes water…..
LikeLike
thank you for always reading and supporting me.
LikeLike
Such an interesting post. Well done, life is all about learning. xx
LikeLike
I liked this! I think it is important to remember what we know (both good and bad) and embrace those things. I may have to do a blog like this sometime.
Couldn’t agree more about sleep! SOOO important. I have disrespected sleep for too long.
LikeLike
It was fun once I started so yes do it and let me know “what you know for sure”. Don’t disrespect sleep! It does catch up with you (or lack of).
LikeLike
Great list!
You are so right, other people’s sandwiches are ALWAYS better, and there is nothing a good brew can’t help with.
LikeLike
I know! What about other people’s sandwiches and a good brew! Oh, maybe with a good book.
LikeLike
So true about books ?
LikeLike
That one I have know for a long time! Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Love this post, what a great way of us getting to know you a little better. I havent read Oprah’s book, but it sounds right up my street. Thanks for sharing x
LikeLike
I was fun to write once the idea popped into my head. Some came just automatically, a few others I mulled over “what do I know for sure….”
LikeLike
Such a wonderful piece. I love reading things that teach me a little more about those I follow. Other people’s sandwiches and tea/coffee is life. There’s nothing like a good walk to clear your head and reset xo
LikeLike
It was actually fun and easy to write.
LikeLike
This is an awesome list! Now i want to do a ten things I know for sure! What a great way to reflect on where you’re at today and even where you’d like to be. I too have never regretted travel, though it’s sometimes hard to just make the decision and get up and GO. Like you, books, a hot drink, and a walk outside are little moments of escape and calm. I like that the point of coffee or tea is really the slowing down that matters! Thanks for the post–really enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Some of the things I know for sure just came into my head right away. A few others I reflected on. Yes go make your own list. It is interesting when you starting thinking about it. Maybe we should have a blog party on it! Oh you could start it over a cup of tea/coffee.
LikeLike
What a fabulous post and now I want to write my version.
I know for sure that I love reading fabulous posts like this one 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you it was a fun post to read. So get at yours and see what comes up! I’ll be interested in reading it.
LikeLike
OMG! These are so good and I would have to say I agree with each one!
LikeLike
especially the sandwiches right?
LikeLike
I’m with you on the food envy and series that I can settle into!
LikeLike
I know, like even egg sandwiches other people make. What is with that? yes to a good series if you have one let me know always looking.
LikeLike
Oh, you asked a loaded question, my friend. Ha! I always recommend Tess Gerittsen’s Rizzoli and Isles, if you like thrillers, but that’s just a start!
LikeLike
Loaded questions!! I have read Tess Gerittsen but has been a while so will have to pick her back up. I love thrillers/mysteries. Thanks for stopping by! Happy November!
LikeLike
I love reading your I Know For Sure list, and totally agree about the sandwiches 🙂 I know for sure that I need to see people as who they are and not as who I want them to be.
LikeLike
That is a big one. That means accepting people warts and all, but worth it if we want to be authentic.
LikeLike
I love this prompt and can see making my own list. I can really relate to “other people’s sandwiches. Ha!
LikeLike
honestly right about the sandwiches!! Go for it and make your own list you might be surprised!
LikeLike
I know for sure that I never get enough sleep… and that sandwich thing too! 😉
LikeLike
I mean really……the sandwich thing was a no brainer.
LikeLike
😁
LikeLike
I’m partial to #3. I usually end up with sandwich envy…..
LikeLike
I know!! It always happens even at friends! What is with that!!! Thanks for stoppong by
LikeLike
“I know for sure I have NEVER regretted travel. Seeing new places, new experiences and meeting new people. It is one of the best educational opportunities I have ever had.”
Yeeeees!! Me too! It is the one thing that always makes your life richer, even if t makes you poorer!!
LikeLike
Totally agree. Love exploring new places and creating memories. Hmmmmm… New year so have to put my thinking cap on for vacation.
LikeLike
Love this. Much better to focus on what we know for sure than what we don’t. But I have to say, I actually kinda like my sandwiches better 😉
LikeLike
If you like your sandwiches the best I will be over!!! I think part of it for me is not having all the fixings.
LikeLike
Number 8. All the time.
LikeLike
I know. I get so excited when I find a series I can get my teeth into. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I agree with all of these. Especially no.4. Very good life lessons.
LikeLike
Yes to sleep (which I feel I never get enough of). It was a fun list to think about and make.
LikeLike
I know for sure that I am very lucky in most aspects of my life. And I know for sure that this wasn’t always the case! I also know for sure that I am grateful because I know that everything can change in the blink of an eye!
LikeLike
I agree. I tell people life is a stats game. 1 in 4, 1 in 1000 – whatever. There is always one. I think living in the present and enjoying what we have right now is the answer.
LikeLike
Great post Amelia, I especially love No 7 as I believe you should never regret things you’ve done, only things you haven’t done!
LikeLike
I tell people to just do it or at least try it if they are talking about something. I’m trying to limit regrets. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Something I love about Agnes (on top of everything else), is that I now have a built-in excuse to go take a walk! And even when I am work, I always make sure to use my breaks to go and walk somewhere, even if it is just a wander around the outside of the building. Walks for the win!
LikeLike
I agree with walking. My office doesn’t have any windows and if I don’t get outside at lunch time by 2:30 I am toast. I can’t imagine not leaving the building for 8 hours straight. Yes walking around the blocks helps (12 months a year!!). Agnes is too cute so those are great opportunities for walks.
LikeLike
This is a great post, I can relate to most, if not all of your points and I think any list I would write would be very similar.
LikeLike
Try a list you might surprise yourself! I think we have different lists at different times (ages) in our lives so writing and comparing along the way might be a neat idea.
LikeLike
I am totally #4 and I tell people all the time. I am NO good without enough sleep. It’s why I refuse to do red eye flights and late night concerts!
LikeLike
I try and get to bed at the same time every night. If I am home Friday night I go to bed I don’t stay up “because it isn’t a work night!”. Done with that. Plus I’m more of a morning person so enjoy the quiet and the light more in the am.
LikeLike
This is a super post. It breaks it all down to basics. Love it!
LikeLike
thank you from a work in progress.
LikeLike