Popular TV host Oprah Winfrey, who turns 58 today, went through a lot of hardships in her life: she was sexually abuse das a child and got pregnant and lost her baby at 14. But through hard work and persistence, she landed her first media job on the radio in high school and eventually found her way to TV--and hosting her own talk show!

The Emmy Award-winning The Oprah Winfrey Show enjoyed a run over two decades, and through it, she encouraged her audience to be open about their emotions and to raise their voices on issues that matter to them. The last season of her show might have ended in 2011, but she continues to be one of the most prominent female personalities in the world through her philanthropic work and her very own Oprah Winfrey Network. Forbes.com listed her as the wealthiest black American in 2009. She was also the first ever black American to land on BusinessWeek's list of America's Top Philanthropists.

If you're in need of a little morale boost, scroll through the gallery below. There's nothing better than Oprah's inspirational words to give you the guidance you need!


For more motivational quotes, try this:

• 30 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You This Year