NAOMI JUDD

Change is the one thing we can be sure of.

It's so important for those living with chronic pain to establish good communication with both their healthcare professionals and caregivers. Clear communication about pain is vital to receiving proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

I don't take vacations.

I grew up in a family of secrets; there was a lot of pathology in the family.

I learned more about myself by being an RN than anything else I've ever done.

I'm a registered, vetted gun owner, but that's because I live way out in the country, like way out in the middle of nowhere.

You shouldn't be ashamed of your pain. You have the right to have your pain treated.

It will kill four times as many Americans as AIDS will over the next decade. I feel that what ever kind of disability God has given me, as an entertainer and as a public figure, it is so I can be a representative for others.

Solitude is creativity's best friend, and solitude is refreshment for our souls.

For many people, managing pain involves using prescription medicine in combination with complementary techniques like physical therapy, acupuncture, yoga and massage. I appreciate this because I truly believe medical care should address the person as a whole - their mind, body, and spirit.

I've had women tell me that when their daughters see them taking care of themselves, and being defined from within, and thinking for themselves instead of thinking about that silly culture out there, it's powerful modeling.

I'm not just a big-haired redhead country singer who dresses flamboyantly, has this wicked sense of humor and wears rhinestones.

I love the ocean, but I'm just not one to lie on the beach.

Ignorance is my least favorite thing. I really think it's at the core of all our problems.

When you're a caregiver, you need to realize that you've got to take care of yourself, because, not only are you going to have to rise to the occasion and help someone else, but you have to model for the next generation.

I'm a darned good listener.

A dead end street is a good place to turn around.

Your body hears everything your mind says.

I don't think we spend enough time in reflection and introspection. We don't know who we are as individuals in this culture anymore.

There are many paths but only one journey.

They're trying to tell us that we're not right, so we have to buy their products. The number one cause of mental illness is not knowing who you are and you can't know who you are if you don't spend time honoring yourself, and living in the present.

I'm a communicator.

We're spirited and spiritual... and fun follows us around.

I've never experienced chronic pain myself, but I have known many people over the years who have.

If you know anything about me, you know that my life's taken a few unexpected curves and crashes along the way. But hey, at least I can say I took the scenic route!