Kindness is the connection that links us all together and strengthens the bonds within our communities, neighborhoods, and families.

I think the city of Washington itself is insular to a certain extent. You have to get out in the country to realize what is going on and discover that the perceptions in Washington aren't necessarily accurate.

First ladies throughout our history have been expected to be adoring wives and perfect mothers.

Kindness is the connection that links us all together and strengthens the bonds within our communities, neighborhoods, and families.

You must accept that you might fail; then, if you do your best and still don't win, at least you can be satisfied that you've tried. If you don't accept failure as a possibility, you don't set high goals, you don't branch out, you don't try - you don't take the risk.

We have to get the word out that mental illnesses can be diagnosed and treated, and almost everyone suffering from mental illness can live meaningful lives in their communities.

There is clearly much left to be done, and whatever else we are going to do, we had better get on with it.