Nadine Labaki Quotes

The only power you have is the word no.

I have the freedom to take chances, to say no. I have the freedom to be who I really want to be, rather than have to conform to this or that just to stay alive.

You might as well go through life the way you want to. If what you want is to be engaged and forceful, to 'lean in,' well, do that.

I guess my personality is that of a modern, strong Chinese woman. I don't believe in destiny. There are many things that can be changed. I don't like to be defeated by difficulties. I love freedom, so when I am shaping a character, I usually do it the way I want. I always find some part of my own character in a role.

I just don't feel like I have to explain myself.

What I say goes. I'm hitting shots that I want to hit. I'm doing the things that I want to do. I play it my way.

Some people have tried to change me and tell me what to do, but I haven't done it, and it's worked for me.

For so long, I was controlled and manipulated by other people. Whatever people think of me, I'm finally doing what I want to do.

Never let anyone shame you into doing anything you don't choose to do. Keep your identity.

I go where I'm stimulated. If I'm stimulated, I show up. As Mick Jagger sings: It's my life and I'll do what I want.

Be an independent thinker at all times, and ignore anyone who attempts to define you in a limiting way.

In one sense I feel that my book is a one-woman argument against determinism.

All my life I been doin' what people tell me to do. Now, I'm telling them.

Even though I wasn't sure I could make it as an indie, almost immediately I felt as if a weight had been lifted off me. To be as independent as I am and to be able to support myself is incredibly satisfying. Everything I want to do myself, I can.

I can't tell you how freeing it is to have my own label. For the first time in my career, I have total control.

I've always lived my life fearlessly, and what I want to do with my life, I do.

Freedom is control in your own life.

No man bosses me around, and no man ever will.

To a certain extent, this tour is a celebration of individuality and that you can invent and reinvent yourself. You should have the power to be able to do that. Sexuality is a part of that. It should release you. It doesn't have to be an issue. It shouldn't box you in.

Freedom lies in being bold.

All I'm gonna do is just go on and do what I feel.

I'm doing what I want to do.

I came to filmmaking because it's my passion. I decided I can't have it distorted or marred by someone else deciding what it should be.

I wanted to use my possibility to be an individual, and I suppose I have, no?

I spent a lot of time doing things other people wanted me to do, so I'm doing what I want to do now.