EMILY SALIERS

Whenever anybody gets involved in politics, its always exciting for me because we take for granted our freedoms and our abilities to effect change through political activism.

I love Decatur. It is diverse, politically progressive, family oriented and I can walk everywhere.

I was never forced to go to church, and there is a lot of beauty in Christianity that I take in my life as a gift, and there is a lot of beauty in other religions. I'm kind of a spiritual mutt.

Artists and celebrities are citizens, and as such you have a responsibility to keep fighting for justice because there are monolithic power structures and systemic oppression out there.

When I'm home, I cook. I love cooking for people.

I was in a church choir early on and that really helped me musically in terms of chops, learning how to sing harmonies.

I cry when I feel like crying.

Falling, falling, falling, falling down. Look yourself in the eye before you drown.

Feelings are not everything! There is very little absolute truth in life.

No way construction of this tricky plan was built by other than a greater hand.

Whenever I think about all the things I appreciate in life, I also think about my privileges, as well. Try to keep that all in balance. Gratitude for what I have, trying to be part of movements that make it easy for people who have it harder than they ever should have it.

Love is selflessness and self-fullness; it can only be known deeply with an open, vulnerable heart.

We're bombarded with media reports, with social media, with anyone with an opinion.

Love is pure and kind and forgiving. It is the greatest gift of all.

I give it up to women who have the power to keep their spirit alive under very difficult circumstances.

I have faith that my life is in good hands. I honestly try to see how I can grow from uncomfortable circumstances.

Now I know a refuge never grows from a chin in a hand in a thoughtful pose gotta tend the earth if you want a rose.

Music makes me alive in a way that nothing quite does. Good art, good film, good books, good dance. Exhibitions, history. Nature makes me feel alive. Georgia in the rain - that makes me feel alive. Compassion makes me feel alive. Hard fought victories for social rights.

Eating wholesome foods and getting plenty of sleep is crucial for me.

You have to laugh at yourself, because you'd cry your eyes out if you didn't.

Engaging in new creative projects keeps me energized. I feel deeply grateful for all of the opportunities that life has given me.

I try not to get personally involved in social media. It kind of makes me sick sometimes.

I see people whose spirits are not broken, who continue to work for justice. That makes me feel alive, when I witness their work, and then I witness some of their dreams come to fruition.

So we must love, while these moments are still called today, take part in the pain of this passion play, stretching our youth as we must, until we are ashes to dust, until time makes history of us.

The prize is always worth the rocky ride.