1956. That little girl with the side ponytail never quite felt a mother’s love. They named me Regina Maria, Latin for Queen Mary. It took ages to learn this vital lesson: You were born worthy.

It wasn’t a family, it was a litter. I’m the last on the left, the fifth of 11. My 10 sibs are my true BFFs. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

I became a rescuer at an early age, changing diapers and feeding babies. Adjust your own oxygen mask before helping others or you’ll be of no use to anyone – including you.

We lived our entire childhoods on Sycamore Street in a Ravenna, Ohio, with railroad tracks, three factories and an electric substation for neighbors. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

I quickly fell from the Dean’s list at Kent State University to academic probation. Thank goodness KSU had an academic forgiveness policy. Even the mistakes belong.

1977 - I got pregnant and dropped out of college. I was an unwed mother at 21, living with my parents. It felt like the end of my life. It was the beginning. Believe in miracles.

With the help of a God who loves me, I took my last drink on July 18, 1981. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

1983 - I didn’t believe in me until the man I believed in cheated on me. I ended our engagement and went back to college. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

1986 - When I was 30, I graduated Kent State with a journalism degree after changing my major six times. When in doubt, just take the next right step.