Oprah Winfrey has an exciting and some may say enviable life as a talk show host-producer-philanthropist, but she says the secret to her happiness is that she is not envious of anyone.
"I don't know anyone happier. I don't know anyone who has a better life, or had a better life. I look at other people and I think, they look happy. But not as happy as me," Winfrey told Vogue in a recent interview.
During her rare time off from her busy life and career, she loves nothing more than well, doing "nothing" -- that’s what makes her truly happy.
"I can go weeks and never turn on a television. I've gone a summer not having it on. No, my guilty pleasure is, I do nothing."
This is an attitude and mindset you can adopt at any time in your life -- and it's what will lead to more fulfillment and gratitude. Of course, we don't all have Oprah's life, but also need to remember we're not walking in someone else's shoes, either.
Oprah went through a lot to get where she is today, and so did many of the people you envy. We all have our own hardships and boundaries to overcome and it's important to work on gaining perspective.
See how far you've gotten and celebrate your accomplishments. Don't focus on the fact other people have what you want. Instead, celebrate the success and happiness of others and use it as an inspiration to pursue your own goals and become the best version of yourself.
"I live in a very beautiful space that I created, and every time I leave home and I'm driving out the back with the pond and the ducks, and I'm looking at the grass and I see the house on the hill, I have this moment where I think about when Dorothy says in 'The Wizard of Oz', 'I learnt I didn't have to look further than my own back yard.' Every time I think of that.
Most people don't even know what makes them happy. But I can just sit on my porch and I'll start reading a book and then realize, Okay, I'm not reading any more. I can just take it all in. I can just be."
Mindfulness is important and so is comfortable silence. We don't always have to be busy and moving and active to be fulfilled, and being comfortable in our own skin and in our own thoughts is an important step into being better versions of ourselves, instead of just looking over our shoulders at what everyone else has going on.
Woman holding her child's clothing.Marla Branyan / @marla_branyan
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.