"We are strong— we can do anything!"

The queen of Southern cuisine, Paula Deen, 78, sure knows how to celebrate life, but that joyful spark was hard-won after years of challenges and fear. Here, Paula's secrets to staying grateful, grounded and grinning from ear to ear

- DEBORAH EVANS PRICE

Paula Deen approaches the Fourth of July the same way she approaches life— with humor, gratitude and plenty of delicious food. “We love watching the fireworks,” she tells Woman's World. “They do a big show at a nearby yacht club, and we'll sometimes load up the boat and watch from the water—they go off right over your head!”

Celebrating with fam- ily is key for Paula and her husband, Michael, who have 11 grandkids between them. “We cook everything from hot dogs to hamburgers, and Michael makes amazing grilled ribs,” she says. “And we've gotta have potato salad!”

At 78, Paula is truly living the American dream. Once a single mom battling depression, she started a catering business that grew into a culinary empire, _including cookbooks and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen restaurants. “I’m grateful for the freedoms we have in this country.”

Paula bakes cakes when she's feeling anxious

Her advice to women over 50 chasing their dreams? “You can do it,” she insists. “If you have a fire in your belly, you can make it happen. Women are strong. We can do anything.” Read on for _Paula’s tips for making dreams come true every day.

Find serenity in faith