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I thought my life was over. I thought I meant nothing. I thought I had nothing to live for. But that's not true. I'm worthy. I'm worthy of love, success, a good education, good, positive, healthy relationships, and I'm freakin' worthy of having a very, I guess, interesting job where I get to call the shots and where I get to make my own story. So, if I can inspire others to see themselves in that way, then I'm happy." An advocate of self-care, Diane urges others to take care of themselves and stop caring so much about the unknown, and failing, and what people think. "Even going to therapy is brave... We spend so much time trying to hide these truths from people, when you know you can just make a simple decision to say, 'I need help' or 'I'm hurting.' The best thing that I did, was realize that I didn't have it together, that I needed help, that I was hurting." Gone are the days that Diane feels the need to appear as though she has it all together. She no longer wants to hide who she truly is. "I don't want to live like that anymore. I want to be transparent. I want people to know my hear t. I consider myself a person who cares a lot about others and if that's too much for some people, so be it. On my tombstone, it will say: 'Diane Guerrero, she gave a fuck about others.' Prett y good. I'm really happy about that. I admire that in other people," she says mat ter-of-factly. Diane's tenacious work ethic and keep-going attitude have served her well. When things don't work out as planned or as she hoped, like when she doesn't land that T V show she really wanted, her thoughts now are, "OK, what do I do from here to build on that? And almost every single time, things get better. Sometimes they don't and it just takes a little longer." This is not to say that not getting what she wants has become easier to accept. "I'm tired as hell, I'll tell you that much," she sighs. Tired of what? "Tired of working so hard. Although, that's just going to be it, for the rest of my life, just always going to work hard —that's my MO. Just for once, I would like something a little easier. But see, you put that in perspective to people who are really struggling and it's like, you do have it easy. Y'know? I'm comparing myself to people who I see. I would love to be them and would love to have their career and it's like, God!" She repeats the sage advice she received from a yoga instructor recently: We should stop comparing ourselves to others, and acknowledge that we're in a better place than we were last year, and if we're not, we will be next year. "Comparing yourself to others is so futile and a waste of energy and time. You've got to remind yourself that you have something that others would be very happy to have. Be good to yourself because you've worked hard and you should be proud of those accomplishments. We always want to be better. We always want to be great. Let's keep working. Right?" she says between bites. Since her book's release, the opportunities have continued to roll in —from a litany of public speaking invitations to potential series, like Aftermath. "I got an opportunity to make a series out of my story that hasn't yet worked but I'm in talks to try again. It's just a matter of getting the right story together and then producing it." The docu-series, which she is collaborating on with immigration rights activist, Julissa Arce, will take a look at the aftermath and consequences of specific events and issues. The first season is slated to focus on deportation and life after that. Her fearless activism also garnered the attention of Reese Witherspoon's media company, Hello Sunshine, who recruited Diane to host their podcast "How It Is." On Season One of the podcast, she interviewed Gabrielle Union, Tarana Burke, Krista Tippett… about deep issues like anger, freedom, their voice, and power. "To be in the same room with a lot of these women is just a huge accomplishment for me and that definitely wouldn't have happened if I wasn't so active politically, so engaged, I guess, in this way… It certainly pays to be honest, truthful, and unapologetic, which is exactly what this podcast is," says Diane, who will host their second season as well. The night of our inter view, Superior Donuts —the CBS T V show on which Diane portrays Floral Button-Front Cotton Dress - Dolce & Gabbana Patent Nude/Clear Pump - Schutz Silver Hoop Earrings - Vintage