Nobody gets through life without facing challenges. What's important is how we handle them. Tough times can be excellent opportunities to grow and become a better person.

This journey has nourished my soul in a way I couldn't have imagined.

Guilt: it comes in so many subtle forms. It's carbon monoxide for the soul.

The woman who is my best friend, my teacher, my everything: Mom.

Life is to BIG that I'm suddenly overcome by the highs and lows of it.

With each stride, I realize I'm not so emotionally overwhelmed anymore. A sense of purpose and fulfillment has replaced my feelings of helplessness.

The real me: A woman who continues to blossom into her authentic self.

Have greater compassion and empathy for others, and don't judge anyone, because you have no idea what's going on in their life.

Be brave. You didn't travel this far to languish within the walls of your comfortable self.

Perspective is so interesting. The smallest thing becomes pleasurable when troubles are monumental.

If only I lived in a perpetual state of awareness for the infinite daily blessings I'm given.

You need to use the instrument that the people desire to captivate them back to things that are right

And loyalty is a valued commodity. It can be sold . . . not bought, but sold.

Sadness was a very heavy thing.

I learned that life, it's beautiful to be alive. I saw a lot of people dead there. When I got out of there, I was happy I was out, happy I was alive.

Respect your opponent, just make them respect you more.

My creative process begins when I get out with the camera and interact with the world. A camera is truly a license to explore. There are no uninteresting things. There are just uninterested people.

Our body is a machine for living.

Have you ever been tempted to start your own business? First read this cautionary tale, especially if you think your ideas come from God.

I play bass. I don't have to go out there and screech.

Music is much more of a multimedia sort of thing than I expected.