The exact median middle-aged black woman in the US. If hard work guaranteed success, she’d be the most successful person on the planet. But she isn’t, yet she keeps on going.

I’m astounded by the young activists, ecologists, poets, movement leaders, peaceful marchers, change makers everywhere. It’s like watching a garden bloom.

Paul Irons, the deputy head at my school, Fernwood comprehensive. He was an inspiration, and still is.

A friend named Paul Hill [one of the Guildford Four] spent 15 years in prison doing time for crimes he did not commit. We communicate most days. I admire the hell out of him.

In the hospital giving birth to my second daughter with my first daughter right there in the room as it was happening. I don’t remember any pain. I just remember feeling more alive and full of fierce mama bear love than at any other point in my life.

In my bed at home at a ripe old age with the knowledge that my children, and grandchildren if I have any, are thriving, happy, and provided for.

If hoarding and procrastination were Olympic sports, I’d have at least 70 gold medals.

Being at home on a Sunday night with my husband, Will, and all of our children, eating chicken tikka masala and naan from our favorite restaurant.

Balloons. I have a big phobia of balloons. Big.