With her iconic roles in When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail, Meg Ryan has practically defined the romantic comedy. Two years ago, however, this megastar walked away from the spotlight, leaving millions of fans wondering what had happened.

"It was definitely time to take a break and just regroup and see where I was," Meg says. "I've been an actress and famous person since I was 19 years old. I just needed to be with my son and figure out my life and see what I wanted. ... I felt like I was very reactive about my life as opposed to being proactive."

During her hiatus from Hollywood, Meg has begun working with CARE, an organization that seeks to help people—especially women—living in the poorest countries in the world. Meg says travel and introspection have helped her become a better friend and mother. "I got to know myself. I just feel like more of an adult, more of a woman."