Forty-years-old these days is the beginning of people's lives. I've found myself, I'm confident, I'm mature, I've been through some stuff, I'm ready to write my book.

I have a real no-nonsense dad who taught me how to be resilient at a very young age.

I did everything pretty cliche as an actor in New York. I read the trades, I sent out 'head shots.'

God loves you and everything about you, so why beat up on your precious self.

I just want to touch something deep in the heart of humanity. I don't know if that's in movies, producing films, or writing a book, but I'm concerned about our spiritual well-being as a human race. I want to impact people in a way that makes us all reach for our best.

Take all the hype out of the exercise and think of it as brushing your teeth.

I think 'Soul Food' had the biggest impact on me because that's where I was really able to shine as an actress and because I also met my husband there, and that was a huge turning point in my personal life. So, that show will stick with me forever and ever and ever.