We're all called. If you're here breathing, you have a contribution to make.

You know you are on the road to success if you would do your job, and not be paid for it.

You want to be in the driver’s seat of your own life because if you are not, life will drive you.

Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.

My highest achievement: never shutting my heart down. Even in my darkest moments - through sexual abuse, a pregnancy at 14, lies and betrayals - I remained faithful, hopeful, and open to seeing the best in people, regardless of whether they were showing me their worst. I stayed open to believing that no matter how hard the climb, there is always a way to let in a sliver of light to illuminate the path forward.

I was in a conversation and someone said: "You know, we were talking about the whole issue of transgender and how it has become so accepted now, and somebody said, 'You know the Oprah show, I think has had a big impact.'" I said, I don't think so. We did several transgender [shows], but we didn't do as much for transgender as I did for, say, abused kids or battered women. And they said, "But no, you started the conversation. You started the conversation and the conversation has led us to here."

Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?