Winning is everything in Hollywood.

Thankfully, it became clear to me that when I compete, I lose my connection to the passion I have for my work.

I talk to women's groups all over the country and see women struggling with this. The fear of not being accepted, of being different, of not having a man, all make it hard for a woman to do what she really believes is right for her.

I think we're socialized out of being women, and then we have to find our way back to it. That's hard to do.

The consciousness of knowing how to make oneself useful, how to help mankind in many ways, fills the soul with noble confidence, almost religious dignity.

I had to learn to forgive. I couldn't sleep at night. I got ulcers. I had to let go, to let God deal with it. No one wants to be mad in their own house. I didn't want to be angry my whole life. It takes so much energy out of you to be mean.

For me, I have this tough exterior and these Angela Bassett arms, and people think, 'Oh, my God, Rutina's tough.'

I remember Steven Tyler coming up to me once. He was like, 'Oh my god, you have a God given talent,' and I freaked out. He's so sweet.