"In some ways, this controversy has actually shaken me up a little bit and gotten me back into remembering that the odds of me getting elected have always been lower than some of the other conventional candidates, " the Illinois senator told CNN's Anderson Cooper in an exclusive one-on-one interview.

CNN: Obama: Wright flap has 'shaken me up'

Remembering all that stress that day reminds me of all the people who will spend most of this holiday in the kitchens.

NPR: Attitudes of Gratitude: Listeners Give Thanks - Part III

For me it's just remembering how to enjoy it.

CNN: Tuesdays with Morrie

Sometimes at night, I just break down and cry remembering how my daughter used to crawl to me.

NPR: Sectarian Violence Breaks Apart Iraqi Family

And so when I went back to Yellowstone, with Ken and my daughters -- that was the first time they had been -- and I'm standing there -- I'm thinking not only about them and the first time they're seeing this, but I'm also remembering back to when my grandmother and my mother had shown me this amazing country so many years before.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks at Conference on Conservation

I'm remembering only the nicest memories, and that's what gave me strength to play yesterday and today.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.

WSJ: Steve Jobs: 'Find What You Love'