In a heartfelt interview with comedian Nikki Glaser, Jennifer Lopez has opened up about her journey of self-discovery and the lessons she’s learned after her recent divorce from Ben Affleck. Speaking to Interview magazine, she reflected on her life’s ups and downs, including her new film Unstoppable and the importance of being comfortable in her own skin.
A Lifelong Journey of Self-Understanding Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez, 55, described her quest for self-understanding as a “lifelong process.” During the interview, which took place on September 10, she shared, “I think that’s what I love about life: that there’s no arrival point. Growing and improving are only possible if you so choose. It’s either growing or dying, and I don’t want to do the dying part.” This philosophy has shaped her outlook on life, especially as she navigates challenges.
Reflecting on her experiences, Jennifer Lopez noted that there were moments when she believed she had figured things out, only to be faced with new obstacles that tested her understanding. Life has a way of saying, ‘Let me send you something else to see if you fall for it.'” She acknowledged that life requires constant learning.
Finding Freedom in Solitude
After Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on August 20, she was thrilled to be embracing her independence. When you mention that you’re going to be on your own, I become excited. Indeed, she said, “I’m not looking for anyone.” When it’s just me flying alone, what can I f—ing do? Say I’m simply free? Her outlook on life and relationships has significantly changed as a result of her new understanding.
Lopez’s positive outlook is further reinforced by her recent success at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where her film Unstoppable received a standing ovation. She said, “The movie’s really beautiful…,” summarizing her positive experience. When I saw it all done for the first time in front of a Toronto audience, they were incredibly appreciative and responded well to the film’s emotional content.
The Emotional Journey Behind Unstoppable
In Unstoppable, Lopez portrays Judy Robles, the mother of Anthony Robles, a wrestler who was born with one leg and went on to achieve remarkable success. The film is a true story produced by Affleck and Matt Damon’s company, Artists Equity. As Lopez delves into the character’s life, she finds parallels between Robles’s journey and her own quest for self-acceptance.
During the interview, Lopez reflected on the deeper work involved in understanding oneself. She said, “The work is figuring yourself out. Examining the underlying emotions and self-beliefs that influence our decisions and establish particular patterns in our lives is crucial. This introspection is vital for anyone seeking to break free from unhealthy relationship patterns.
The Challenges of Being Alone
Lopez was honest when he acknowledged the difficulties of accepting solitude, saying, “It was f—ing hard!” She talked about the emotions that come with such a change, including fear, despair, and loneliness. It seems hopeless. However, when you stay with those emotions and tell yourself, “These things are not going to kill me,” you realize that you are genuinely capable of experiencing joy and happiness on your own. I am not defined by the relationships I am in.
During the summer, Lopez took time to reconnect with herself in the Hamptons, surrounded by friends and family while Affleck stayed in Los Angeles. Despite their divorce, the two have maintained an amicable relationship, even reuniting for a friendly lunch with their children shortly after the split.
Reflections on Relationships and Self-Worth
Throughout her career, Lopez has grappled with feelings of inadequacy, which she attributes to her upbringing as a middle child. She reflected on how childhood experiences of feeling ignored and unimportant shaped her motivations and decisions in adulthood. “Dealing with feeling like you’re enough… is something that you don’t figure out for a long time,” she remarked.
She also shared her desire to be a complete individual before seeking a partner, emphasizing, “You have to be good on your own. Although I didn’t learn it, I assumed I had. I was forced to say, “I need to go off and be on my own,” later this summer. I want to demonstrate to myself my ability to achieve it.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Lopez acknowledges that her current single status is “not what I thought it was going to turn out like,” but she views it as an essential part of her journey. “To get me where I want to go, this is exactly where I needed to be,” the woman said.
Looking back on her relationship with Affleck, she expresses no regrets. “Not one second,” she emphasized, despite acknowledging the pain it brought her. “It almost took me out for good. But now, on the other side of it, I think to myself, ‘F—, that is exactly what I needed.’”
Embracing the Future
Lopez is eager to return to her artistic pursuits, emphasizing the importance of self-care even in the face of public scrutiny. “I just needed to be with my kids and myself,” she remarked. I was so devastated to let anybody down.” “It was a very trying period for me. It was probably the most difficult period of my life, but it was also the best because I was able to work on myself.
As she prepares for her upcoming projects, including a new album and the film Unstoppable, Lopez is optimistic about the future. “I’ll be out there entertaining you,” she promised, looking forward to re-engaging with her fans and sharing her journey through her art.
Lopez’s experience serves as a reminder that self-discovery and growth are ongoing processes, and her willingness to embrace this phase of her life is both inspiring and relatable. As she steps into her next chapter, it’s clear that she’s ready to shine on her own terms.
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