I grew up as this very carefree, happy kid then things turned darker for me. Maybe it was because I saw that the world wasn't as happy a place as I had hoped it would be for me.

The sun doesn't lose its beauty when covered by the clouds. The same way your beauty doesn't fade when being covered by Hijab

Different is good. When someone tells you that you are different, smile and hold your head up and be proud.

Every day we choose who we are by how we define ourselves.

Where ever I am I always find myself looking out the window wishing I was somewhere else.

I've realized that being happy is a choice.

I love to put on lotion. Sometimes I'll watch TV and go into a lotion trance for an hour. I try to find brands that don't taste bad in case anyone wants to taste me.

I know my children will never have to say, 'Mom died of ovarian cancer.'

If I make a fool of myself, who cares? I'm not frightened by anyone's perception of me.

I'm odd looking. Sometimes I think I look like a funny muppet.

I've been reckless, but I'm not a rebel without a cause.

When someone obtains peace and serenity, this shines a bright spotlight on others’ own unhappiness making their discomfort even more apparent.

It is better to risk starving to death than giving up on your dream. If you have given up on your dream, what's left?

Steady as a clock busy as a bee and cheerful as a cricket.

We know that pumping oil out of the ground does not create many jobs. It does not foster an entrepreneurial spirit, nor does it sharpen critical faculties.

My grandmothers apartment had significance for me, even as a child, and I was fascinated by that world that was disappearing.

Happiness isn't wanting what you can get, but wanting what you have.

We do not like to praise, and seldom praise anyone without self-interest.

You may be smart, but I've been smart longer.

I think no matter what kind of music you play, there will be moments when you feel like it's all been done before.

I'm a mom. I'm from Ethiopia. I gave birth in the U.S. and had all the proper care available to me. If I had given birth in Ethiopia - I don't know if I might have even survived it.