The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.

Acceptance is not a talent you either have or don't have. It's a learned response. My meditation teacher made a great point about the difference between a reaction and a response: You may not have control over your initial reaction to something, but you can decide what your response will be. You don't have to be at the mercy of your emotions, and acceptance can be your first step toward empowerment . . . For me, acceptance has been the cornerstone to my having an emotionally healthy response to my illness.

You don't understand. You're not a wave. You're part of the ocean.

Keep your heart open for as long as you can, as wide as you can, for others and especially for yourself.

After you have wept and grieved for your physical losses, cherish the functions and the life you have left.

Is today the day? Am I ready? Am I doing all I need to do? Am I being the person I want to be?

All right, that was my moment with loneliness. I'm not afraid of feeling lonely, but now I'm going to put that loneliness aside and know that there are other emotions in the world, and I'm going to experience them as well.