“Looking for validation based on others’ approval will take you off your path and away from your authentic self. When you really are centered in yourself and you’re singing your song within, you’ll be with the people that you’re meant to be with, and you’ll be in the right place.” -People
In reference to sexual abuse, Tyler Perry stated, “It was rape, I didn’t know what was going on or the far-reaching effects of it. I just moved through it. ‘Boys don’t cry, shut up and move on.’ Holding on to all of that, not knowing what to do with it, there was a lot of anger in my teenage years, in my 20s. If any of it had worked, my attempts to kill myself…. I wouldn’t have gotten to the other side of all the horror. I believe that to everything there is an opposite. So for all of that pain and hell I was going through as a child, there has to be beauty. I tell anyone who is in pain, ‘Just keep going. One little step is a step.'” -People
“The strongest people I’ve met have not been given an easier life. They’ve learned to create strength and happiness from dark places.” -People
“Growing up, I was taught that if I saw something that wasn’t right, I had to do something, say something, and not censor myself.” -Glamour
“It’s about being open to asking the tough questions, having the courage to implement changes and putting your privilege on the line.”
“I grew up really poor. There was a point when we lived in a tent for a year. Then we lived in motels. I went to school from motels. I spent the most time in a small trailer with my six brothers and sisters. I always looked at acting as therapy, but I was also driven by wanting more for myself and my family. I just bought my parents a beautiful home.” Cosmopolitan Magazine
“I never felt the need to be in with the crowd. I don’t mind being on the outside.”
“But I’ve realized that it’s time for me to show my audience that you don’t have to be perfect to achieve your dreams. Because nobody relates to being perfect. I’m ok with picking my nose. I’m ok with having bad dance moves. I’m ok with having horrible lower teeth. That’s what makes me me, and for some reason it’s worked out all right.”
“I thought my skin wasn’t beautiful enough to wear shorts or open-toed shoes, but my idea of ‘beautiful enough’ came from not seeing enough representation of someone like myself, that would’ve been so powerful for me. I hope to offer all young women a sense of hope and change, that one type of look is not better than another. It’s ok to be different and seeing that is massive for a child.”
“Even the people who you think have the most confidence can be terrified inside. Learn to believe and trust in yourself. Some of the nerdiest guys who were tormented in school are now tech billionaires! “