Your journey begins with a choice to get up, step out, and live fully

I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I've become. If I had, I'd have done it a lot earlier.

When I was going through menopause, I didn't sleep. I didn't sleep for two years and ended up blowing out my thyroid, and I became nonfunctional. It's difficult to remain fully present if I'm not getting enough sleep, so I work at getting enough.

I try to view the challenges in my life not as annoyances, but as confirmations of fortitude.

I'm starting to cry. I'm remembering those years I struggled with my weight, those times when I saw my reflection in a store window and didn't know who that fat person was, years when it was a big accomplishment for me to exercise at two dots on the StairMaster. And now I'm finishing a 26-mile race. Damn! This is better than winning an Emmy!

We're all called. If you're here breathing, you have a contribution to make to our human community. The real work of your life is to figure out your function-your part in the whole-as soon as possible, and then get about the business of fulfilling it as only you can.

I don't think there's anything better you can do in this world than bring light wherever you go.