“To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.”
What it means
Reba McEntire’s quote is a charming way of saying that a good life takes a mix of hope, courage, and humor. The wishbone is your ability to dream, to want something more, to imagine a better job, a healthier relationship, a fresh start. The backbone is what helps you keep going when those dreams get hard, when you have to speak up, start over, or do the uncomfortable thing. And the funny bone? That’s what keeps you from becoming too heavy under the weight of it all. Life will hand us delays, awkward moments, and plans that fall apart. Being able to laugh, even a little, can be its own kind of strength. Success isn’t just achieving the goal, it’s staying hopeful, brave, and human along the way.
About the author
Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire (born March 28, 1955) grew up on a cattle ranch in Oklahoma, where she sang with her siblings before rising to become one of country music’s most beloved stars. Known as the “Queen of Country,” she has sold tens of millions of records, won multiple Grammy and CMA awards, and expanded her career into acting, Broadway, business, and television with her hit sitcom Reba. She is most remembered for her powerful voice, storytelling songs, and warm, down-to-earth persona. Having balanced decades of touring and performing with motherhood and close family ties, McEntire’s reflection on…
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