Like most I have grown up with an idol. Her name is Audrey Hepburn. She is the most beautiful soul there ever was. Her presence on stage and on screen was/is effortless and absolutely flawless.

Growing up watching her films I was given a role model who was elegant and classic. She carried herself with grace and lived her life as a nurturer of the world. She used her talents to bring characters that will forever be enjoyed to life.

My admiration for her has only grown as I've gotten older. I have been able to appreciate more than just her liveliness but her humanitarian efforts. I look to the life she lead when I need clarification in my own.

There is so much to Audrey that mere onlookers would never know. She struggled and survived. She was much more than just an actress and she was so wise, which is why I wanted to share of some my favorite Audrey quotes along with some context for them.

1. Audrey lived without regret.

“What would be awful would be to die and look back miserably--seeing only the bad things. The opportunities missed, or what could have been.”

After being nominated for her fifth Oscar Audrey soon realized that her career had been the cause of so much time away from her son, Sean. She decided to make a change. She took a break from the big screen for almost 10 years. She moved away from Hollywood, had her second son, Luca, was remarried, and lived her life so she wouldn’t regret missing anymore time with her family.

2. Audrey jumped at opportunities.

“Opportunities don’t often come along. So, when they do you have to grab them.”

In a little over a year, at the age of 21, Audrey was discovered for 2 roles that would change her life. French playwrite Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette knew when he first saw Audrey that she was perfect for the role of Gigi on Broadway in New York City, but before she packed her bags she had also done a screen test that reached William Wyler, director of “Roman Holiday.” This role would land her an Oscar.

3. Audrey worked hard.

“If you want to get psychological, you can say my definiteness stems from underlying feelings of insecurity and inferiority. I couldn’t conquer these feelings by acting indecisive. I found the only way to get the better of them was putting my foot down, by adopting a forceful and concentrated drive.”

Audrey’s young-adult life was filled with people pushing her harder. Instead of falling into self-doubt she became diligent and refused to let her insecurities take over.

4. Audrey was nervous too.

“I lack self-confidence. I don’t know whether I shall ever get it. Perhaps it is better to be unsure of yourself, as I am. But it is very tiring.”

Audrey may have won an Oscar and a Tony in the same year, gone on to be nominated for 4 more Oscars, and become one the most beloved actresses on and off stage, but she was never fully confident in her acting, despite how talented she was.

5. Audrey was relaxed.

“I’m not one who has rules. I am not a person who must have so many hours of sleep so that my skin will look good. I love to walk, so I do get lots of air…lots and lots of oxygen. And I sleep marvelously well. I need eight or nine hours to make me completely happy; otherwise I long for a nap. But if I don’t have one, it doesn’t destroy me. I’m very relaxed and unmethodical about myself. I do what I have to do and let it go at that.”

Audrey didn’t have beauty secrets. She just lived her life healthily.

6. Audrey wasn’t afraid to be alone.

“When the chips are down, you are alone, and loneliness can be terrifying. Fortunately, I’ve always had a chum I could call. And I love to be alone. It doesn’t bother me one bit. I’m my own company.”

Audrey was reserved and shy. She read books and took walks. She didn’t spend time in the spotlight, she liked to be at home.

(You can find more wonderful information on Audrey's life by reading "How to be Lovely" by Melissa Hellstern)