The reason I gained so much weight in the first place and the reason I had such a sorry history of abusive relationships with men was I just needed approval so much. I needed everyone to like me, because I didn't like myself much.

Whatever our dreams, ideas, or projects, we plant a seed, nurture it -- and then reap the fruits of our labors.

Everyone is the keeper of a dream

When you live with an open heart, unexpected, joyful things happen

The expectation of my life was that I might be able to work for some good white folks. Now I got some good white folks working for me.

I grew up in the country, which is probably why I'm so attached to the land. I love it. I love the lay of the land. I love walking the land. And I love knowing that it's my land.

If we're really committed to growth, we never stop discovering new dimensions of self and self-expression .