The talent should speak for itself.

I am in control of all decisions that have to do with my image, which means that no one will decide what’s right for me except me. I’m not special. We should all feel this way about ourselves.

I try to do everything to say, 'OK, will my mother like this? Will she be pleased? Will she be proud of that? How do I know she's happy and she's smiling down at me from heaven?' And that's what I try to go by and walk by.

Whenever I’d try to talk myself out of going for a walk, and there were a few days like that, I’d take myself through a series of simple tasks so I would get up and go. 1. Get up. 2. Find your house keys. 3. Put on some shoes. 4. Grab your iPod. 5. Walk out the front door.

Indeed, God is always with us even when things look hopeless.

It can be a real struggle to accept that sometimes appearance can be more important than talent or intelligence.

What people need to know is that if you don't eat what you want, then you'll just continue to eat, because you're not fulfilled.