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.

What, I have actually loved it, because I've been underestimated every step of the way, and it's so exciting when you can prove them all wrong.

I don't want to have to get the lesson of losing [things like health and moving about freely] to appreciate what it was.

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.

Anything you can imagine, you can create.

You can either waltz boldly onto the stage of life and live the way you know your spirit is nudging you to, or you can sit quietly by the wall, receding into the shadows of fear and self doubt.

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