This is a speech at toastmasters.

For those of you here today, I have a very special date for you to jot down on your calendars. 2 weeks from today, she will be turning 26 years old. She is a little emotional. It’s been quite a ride to get here.
Last Sunday morning, woke up early, made coffee, walked outside and grabbed Oprah’s book, “What I Know For Sure” as the sun shined perfect rays of light on her face. As she read Oprah’s words, they jumped out at her and filled her with emotion. One sentence in particular. “Breathe.
Let go and remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” If that isn’t poetry, I don’t know what is. Thought about life on earth and making it this far has been an accomplishment. I believe that everyone in this room, just like unique fingerprints, you have a unique reason on this earth.
Lived life based on beliefs only. I’m going to wake up and this is how I’m going to live my life. What she knows for sure is that you have to be thankful every single day. We have the opportunity to wake up, go to the bathroom, brush teeth. Worldwide, there are billions of people that don’t have that opportunity.
What are you thankful for? Food, car, spouse, children? Be thankful you have it. Don’t focus on things you don’t have. What I know for sure is if you surround yourself with the right kind of people, they will take you higher. Can’t tell us everything she’s accomplished has been her own doing. She had a helping hand from friends and family and even strangers. Her accomplishments are their accomplishments.
What she knows for sure is that you get in life what you have the courage to ask for. People at their death beds, later in life, wished they could accomplish x, y, and z. They want her to accomplish it for them. No. She has her own dreams. The only way she’s going to accomplish them is ask for them and take them. Expand toolset and knowledge. Not every single person knew all of the answers.
What she knows for sure is if you praise and celebrate in life, so much to celebrate. Flag day, she celebrates. After the first speech, her friends and family celebrated at a Korean restaurant. Cookout when dog peed outside for the first time. She loves to celebrate little things. Brought so much joy. So many life lessons. Can’t complain. Lived a pretty awesome life so far.
The older you get, the wiser you become, and the more beautiful you become. I have Oprah to thank for writing such beautiful words. She intended to write a different speech for today, but after she read that passage, she wanted to talk about it. If she continues to live her life the way she knows she should, she will be blessed. In two weeks from today, she will be 26 years old. Quite an accomplishment.
What she knows for sure is she will be blessed this year and until she turns 122.

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