What's the One Thing Oprah Winfrey Is Afraid Of?

Thinking about sending Oprah balloons to congratulate her on her recent success? Think again! Oprah isn’t a fan of balloons. In fact, she fears them.

The billionaire opens up about her dislike for the usually pleasant party must-have in the newest issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, reports People.

“I don’t like balloons, and for my 40th birthday my entire staff decided to surprise me,” said Oprah. “I come downstairs and the entire audience is filled with balloons. Literally, I’m stepping over balloons, having to walk through balloons and I’m so like, ‘Oh! When is one going to pop?'”

The media mogul says the sound of popping balloons reminds her of gunfire, admitting it “really freaks me out.”

But for Oprah, she knew she couldn’t keep the balloons in her life, metaphorically speaking, from getting in the way.

“No way around — [I] just had to walk through them,” she said.

Being the leader that she is, Oprah turned her fear into a teachable moment for all to learn.

“There are a few things that in life, if you allow them to, can really keep you from moving forward,” said Oprah. “You have to really walk through it.”

What do you fear most? Share your biggest fears and how you work to overcome them below.