Mariska Hargitay

“I have so much love that I didn't even know about.”

“Sometimes things in life happen that allow us to understand our priorities very clearly. Ultimately you can see those as gifts.”

“I have a nest egg, and I don't buy above my means.”

“Having a child changes everything. All of a sudden you have so much to lose, so much to live for.”

“When I was in my early 20s, I had my hair permed. Bad idea! It turned into total frizz. My advice to women is, if you have nice hair already, don't get a perm, leave your hair alone!”

“Life begins at 40, and I'm living proof.”

“You make sacrifices to become a mother, but you really find yourself and your soul.”

“My weekends are extremely precious.”

“When we're on the street and someone drops something, I pick it up.”

“When I was pregnant, I was so huge and people on the bus would get up for me. That made me feel so precious and valued and valuable. I try to treat everyone like they're pregnant.”

“You've got to kick fear to the side, because the payoff is huge.”

“Yes. I did more research than I ever wanted to and saw some things I wish I didn't. I went on ride-alongs, spent time with Homicide, Cold Case, and SVU detectives, hung out in subways learning how to spot pervs and pick-pockets, viewed an autopsy, went to a police firing range, and witnessed court cases and I read, read, read.”

“I'm an L.A. girl who became a tough New York cop.”

“I am grateful that I didn't let fear get the best of me. It only holds you back from possibilities and greatness.”

“The experience of being cared for is profound, and it nourishes the soul as much as the food does the body.”

“If you stop for one second and do something, everyone is happy. You pay it forward and it comes back to you twelve-fold.”

“I have everything I need. Our house is very joyful.”

“I definitely have my days where I look like I got dressed in the dark.”

“It's a new skill to have two children that want you at the same time.”

“If I eat clean, I look 10 years younger.”