Paula Deen’s Shocking #1 Stress-Relief Trick: You Won’t Believe What’s on Her Counter – 8 Cakes That Could Change Your Life! 

Paula Deen approaches the 4th of July as she does everything—with fun and gratitude. “We love watching fireworks,” the cookbook author, TV personality and restaurateur tells Woman’s World as our cover girl (pick up your copy here). “Where we live, we can enjoy the fireworks without the downtown crowds because they have a big display on River Street in Savannah. I’ve always adored fireworks and we can also see the ones from the nearby yacht club. Sometimes, we all load up in the boat and watch the fireworks go off overhead.”

Of course food is a major part of the holiday for Paula and her husband of 21 years, Michael, and their family—including 11 grandchildren. “We have everything from hot dogs and hamburgers to ribs. Michael cooks wonderful ribs on the grill,” she says. “And we’ve got to have potato salad!”

Once a single mom who suffered depression and agoraphobia, Paula, 78, has lived the American Dream—launching a catering business that grew into an empire of bestselling cookbooks and a restaurant chain, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.

“I’ve been so fortunate to spend my life on American soil,” she smiles. “It’s great to be able to come and go as you please and make your own choices. I’m grateful for the freedoms we have in this country.”

Paula encourages others that it’s never too late to make dreams come true. “They can do it. If they have a burning desire and are willing to work for it, they are capable. Women are very strong. If I can do it, anybody can.”

Here, Paula shares her top seven tips for making dreams come true and living your best life.

Prioritize self-care

“At one point, you look like a brick house, and now you just look like a house,” Paula says with a laugh about aging’s toll. “It can affect your confidence. I put extra effort into my hair, makeup and tanning lotion so it looks like I’ve been at the beach. Doing things to improve how I look affects how I feel about myself.”

Practice gratitude for a good life

“I look down at these legs with all the broken veins in them, and my mother and daddy both are buried, missing the same leg in the same spot,” Paula shares. “When I start to feel sorry for myself looking at those broken veins, I have a little talk with myself: ‘Paula, be thankful you’ve got two legs.’ Accepting is the most important thing. Being content with where you are and accepting the stage of life that you’re in. You can look back and say, ‘Well, one day I had my day. I had my day in the sun.’ Now it’s time for my children to have their day in the sun.”

Find peace through the Serenity Prayer

“My life has been like a well-used yo-yo with many ups and downs,” she says, recalling being a single mother and overcoming agoraphobia. “When I moved to Savannah at 40, I felt my world was ending. I cried and ate. Then one morning, I understood the Serenity Prayer for the first time—to accept what I cannot change, have courage to change what I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Faith is important. None of us have been promised a rose garden, but there’s more to life than struggles.”

Bake to relieve stress

“I bake a lot when I’m stressed. One time I was worried and depressed and had eight cakes on the counter. Michael, who was on a diet at the time, walked in and said, ‘What the hell?’ Baking helps me cope.”

Relax with games

“I play video games on my iPad. Solitaire is my favorite—it’s free, has no ads and many variations. It’s a great way to distract your mind when it wanders.”

Know your worth

“It took me so long to realize my value,” Paula admits. “I graduated in 1965, and if you didn’t go to college, you usually just married and raised a family. For years, I thought I was weak and he was strong, referring to my first husband. But you have to find yourself first before sharing your life with someone else. I realized I was stronger than the person I’d leaned on.”

Give back to others

“My charity, the Bag Lady Foundation, is something I’ll dedicate a lot of time to this year. We have fun events planned, and I’m excited to meet new people. The foundation was born because someone gave me a chance when I struggled. Sometimes a small boost is all you need. Our mission is to support women and children in need. Last year, we welcomed a new board of dedicated members who are creating impactful and enjoyable events.”