I'd been in a vicious cycle and circle of people and couldn't see my way out. So I picked myself up one day about 15 years ago and moved where I didn't know anyone.

If we could just see how related we all are, how we're really all in the same place.

I have a lot of charity work I'm into right now, and selling my Chakalates - supporting that whole effort.

As you get older, though, you realize there are fire extinguishers. You do have an ability to control the flames.

Your moment of clarity comes when you face your fears. Sobriety gave me back me - my life. Self-medication kills you slowly. You can never get a handle on that. It's a highly destructive force that has to be dealt with on a spiritual level as much as a physical one.

When I was in my twenties, it felt like I was riding wild horses, and I was hoping I didnt go over a cliff.

I'm a woman and I'm a backbone...everybody needs one.