Jennifer Lopez has shared her journey towards finding “happiness within myself” following her recent divorce from Ben Affleck.

In an enlightening conversation with comedian and TV host Nikki Glaser for Interview magazine, Jennifer opened up about her self-esteem journey, her perseverance in the tough entertainment industry, and how she picked herself back up after feeling like her “whole world exploded.”

Rumors began to swirl in the spring about the couple’s separation, especially when they appeared less frequently together at events. By May, reports confirmed they were no longer living together, and Jennifer decided to cancel her “This Is Me… Live” tour to spend more time with her children and loved ones.

“I genuinely can’t wait to be back out there with my incredible fans,” Jennifer shared with Glaser. “I have fans who are so supportive and understanding. It saddened me to potentially disappoint anyone, but prioritizing my kids and personal well-being was crucial at that point.”

Jennifer reflected, “While it was a trying period, possibly the hardest of my life, it was also a valuable time for self-reflection and growth.”

JLo Embraces Life’s Challenges and No Regrets Over Split

This year, Jennifer has intentionally taken a step back from her work commitments, aside from promoting her new film “Unstoppable” at the Toronto International Film Festival, where she portrays Judy Robles, the mother of Anthony Robles, a real-life wrestler.

Despite her professional achievements, including her album “This is Me… Now,” Jennifer admitted facing an emotional storm, especially with the breakup.

“Life has a way of testing you,” she expressed. “Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, it throws a curveball, and you find yourself learning a new lesson.”

This summer, Jennifer dedicated time to being alone, seeking to prove to herself she could find complete contentment in her own company.

“Experiencing solitude was tough—lonely, even frightening,” she shared. “But by accepting those feelings, I realized I could be joyful and content on my own.”

“A relationship doesn’t define me,” Jennifer said. “True happiness comes from within, not from others. I’ve realized that I’m complete just as I am.”

When asked about any regrets related to her recent hardships, Jennifer was firm in her belief that “everything has happened for a reason, guiding me to where I need to be.”

“Although there were times it almost completely overwhelmed me,” she reflected. “In hindsight, I’m grateful for the growth. Thank you, God. It’s taken me a while, but I needed to learn these life lessons.”

Focusing on Self-Love After Divorce

In her interview with Glaser, Jennifer reflected on her evolving thoughts about love, challenging the notion that you must love yourself before someone else can love you.

“The idea that one must be flawless to be loved isn’t true,” Jennifer explained. “Someone who genuinely loves you will help you heal and grow through understanding and setting mutual boundaries.”

When Glaser mentioned that Jennifer might have a heightened standard for future relationships, Jennifer said she’s “not actively seeking someone new.”

“For romanticists who dream of growing old with a partner, it’s tempting to think that’s essential for happiness, but it’s not,” she concluded.