You may be mentally exhausted, convinced that your nonexistent problems—problems you know are nonexistent—are draining you of all your energy.

So it was in life. In order for the more substantial pieces of wood to catch fire, the kindling must burn first. In order for us to liberate the energy of our strength, our weakness must first have a chance to reveal itself. In order for us to understand the powers we carry within us and the secrets that have already been revealed, it was first necessary to allow the surface expectations, fears, appearances — to be burned away.

I will talk about my dances...when I was onstage I simply forgot about the woman I was and offered everything to God. That is why I was able to undress so easily. At that moment, I was nothing, not even my body. I was just movements communing with the universe.

Not everything you do is going to be a masterpiece, but you get art there and you try and sometimes it really happens. The other times you're just stretching your soul.

Who has a harder fight than he who is striving to overcome himself.

It [ballet] projects a fragile kind of strength and a certain inflexible precision.

Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.

A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.

No matter our age, our circumstances, or abilities... Each one of us can create something remarkable with our lives.

Don't say, "If I could, I would." Say, "If I can, I will."

Your attitude towards problems, difficulties, and adversities is the most important factor in overcoming them.

Defeat is not defeat unless accepted as a reality-in your own mind.