What I know for sure? by Oprah

What I know for sure? by Oprah

Zooming with members of
team O  — my new favourite way to
have a meeting.

1^st paragraph

I used to try to imagine what it would feel like to spend a whole month at home and never have to leave. No obligations. No one disappointed because I chose not to attend their meeting, festival, conference, seminar, graduation, wedding, banquet, awards ceremony, you name it.

Over the years I learned to say no to 90% of the invitations I received. But saying yes to even 10 % kept me away from home more than I preferred. Covid-19 has changed things for me, for at least the remainder of this year. I haven’t ventured beyond my front gate since March 11. And I have no desire to be anywhere else.

Multiple Choice

The writer had believed before the Covid-19 that she ...

• had a lot of obligations to do.

• didn’t estimate her relatives and life.

• would be more careful.

2^nd paragraph

I had pneumonia last fall, followed by a bronchial infection in February, and I’m still dealing with a lingering postnasal drip. I have a preexisting condition, and I’m 66: both good reasons to be extra careful. That’s why Stedman, who was speaking at a gathering in St. Louis just before California locked down, stayed in the guesthouse for 14 days after arriving home—to protect me. Tests weren’t readily available then, so we couldn’t be sure he wasn’t an asymptomatic carrier.

Multiple Choice

Stedman stayed in the guesthouse ...

• because he was a carrier of Covid-19.

• because of a meeting in St. Louis after California lockdown.

• because tests weren’t readily available.

3^rd paragraph

What I’ve learned from this experience is that I’m a true introvert. My happiest times this spring were rainy days when I could build a fire and nestle in. Zoom has become a way of life and my new best friend; it gives me joy to think I never have to travel for another meeting again. (More revelations: There is no need to change my sheets every other day; once a week is just fine. Chunky peanut butter on toast with coffee or tea is a complete breakfast. Pasta is a staple you should never be without.)

This time has made me more conscious of what is important. Life is fragile. And uncertain. Though it always has been, we were lulled into believing we’d eventually get to all the things on our to-do lists. Yet everyone who’s died also had plans for tomorrow.

Multiple Choice

According to the text, the writer hag got a change in her life philosophy,

• and she made a to-do-lists for all the things she had never done before.

• she realized it was the happiest time in her whole life.

• she should have focused on supporting homeless pets.

4^th paragraph

I’ve always been grateful to be healthy. Now I am acutely aware of just how significant that gift is. And I’m more awake to the inequities that are reality for so many. I’ve made a decision to be more philanthropic in ways that can be sustainable in bringing justice and joy. I’ve reached out to people I thought might need a hand and give support to organizations directly serving communities where I grew up: Chicago, Nashville, Baltimore, Milwaukee, and Kosciusko, Mississippi. (Even with all I have, I can’t help everyone who has not. So I’ve focused on people I know and places that once knew me.)

I’ve also rewatched old movies and read books I’d been “meaning to read” for years. And I’ve realized that despite all the time I’ve spent running and doing and doing, the quiet, sweet stillness of just being with myself is the greatest peace.

Multiple Choice

What was the significant gift, Oprah referred to?

• I’ve spent running and doing and doing, the quiet, sweet stillness of just being with myself is the greatest peace.

• I’ve made a decision to be more philanthropic ...

• I’ve always been grateful to be healthy.

5^th paragraph

On the internet, I came across the poem, written by Haroon Rashid, that pretty much sums up what I’ve been feeling.

We got a time-out. We required a reset so we could see without obstruction what is essential.

I hope we all get the lessons we most needed — as individuals and as a collective world consciousness - so we can move forward with a desire to heal ourselves and our planet. I know for sure that if we don’t learn from being literally sent to our rooms when we finally come out, the next challenge will be even harder.

Multiple Choice

Which thing helped to sum up her feelings?

• “You are not necessary” – said my friend.

• Having some quite time at home.

• The poem that was found on the Internet.