Authenticity

In politics and in life, ignorance is not a virtue. It's not cool to not know what you're talking about. That's not keeping it real, or telling it like it is. That's just not knowing what you're talking about.

The last person to hold you accountable is you yourself. If you allow others to tell you your worth, you will have given up on yourself.

This life is yours to fill. Nobody will taste it but you, so you should only be looking to fill it with those tasty bites you want to savor.

If you calm down, you will know what your instincts are telling you and you'll know which way, right or wrong, that you must proceed.

I could do things my way, even if that was a way that no one had ever done before or would ever care to do again. It was valid and unique and ultimately viable.

Just please be honest with yourself about what you think and how you feel about all of that, what you like and dislike, what angers you or scares you or saddens you or inspires you, or delights you. Those feelings are called your instincts, and you ignore them at your own peril.

Knowing who you are is the compass that will help guide you to unexpected opportunity or when a setback blows your way. Knowing who you are is the centerboard that will help steady you when you're afraid you may capsize.

Your conscience shouts, 'here's what you should do,' while your intuition whispers, 'here's what you could do.' Listen to that voice that tells you what you could do. Nothing will define your character more than that.

The moment you focus on that, you vacate your own soul.

Don't build your life around the expectations of others.

I didn't know who I was or what I was going to do with my life when I finished college. I wasn't any clearer about my direction than the day I graduated high school.

Never let others define you. Define yourselves.