The other day I went to a school in Harlem to talk to some 7th graders [12-year-olds] and I said, ‘If I have to give you some advice, the most important thing is: the sooner you become your own best friend, the better your life will be,’ 

Usually, the fairy tale ends with the girl marrying the prince. But mine started as soon as the marriage was over.

I wanted to be an independent woman, a woman who could pay for her bills, a woman who could run her own life - and I became that woman.

When a woman becomes her own best friend life is easier.

The secret to feeling attractive, and to being attractive, is the confidence that comes from knowing who you are and what you believe in.

I'm not the only one; most people's mothers are the most influential person in their life. But my mother survived the camps, and she was very strong. She made me strong, but she wanted me to be strong. That's more important.

Women never cease to impress and inspire me.