The greatest lesson of life is that you are responsible for your life.

If you're hurting, you need to help somebody else ease their hurt. If you're in pain, help somebody else's pain.

I will tell you that there have been no failures in my life. I don't want to sound like some metaphysical queen,but there have been no failures. There have been some tremendous lessons.

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!

Some women have a weakness for shoes... I can go barefoot if necessary. I have a weakness for books.

Spirituality for me is recognizing that I am connected to the energy of all creation, that I am a part of it and it is always a part of me.

My first day in Chicago, September 4, 1983. I set foot in this city, and just walking down the street, it was like roots, like the motherland. I knew I belonged here.