Jennifer Lopez. AP
NEW YORK—Jennifer Lopez wants to share a life lesson with her fans: Learn to love yourself first. “I promise that if you tap into it, it’s going to make your life better,” she assures.
The actress, singer and producer sat down for an interview about “True Love,” her new book that was originally intended to be a piece of memorabilia about the 2012 Dance Again World Tour that she embarked on in the wake of her split from husband Marc Anthony. Then, it became much more.
“It became evident that my songs were so autobiographical—it isn’t just the story of my relationships, but the story of my career, as well.”
Lopez, 45, recently kicked off her heels, got comfy on a couch and opened up about her own journey to self-acceptance.
You say early in the book that this is not a tell-all.
I don’t feel that it’s my responsibility to share all the intimate details of my relationships. As an artist, I do feel that it’s my responsibility to bare my soul, use my experiences and share the lessons I’ve learned through my art—that’s what this book does!
You also discussed confidence issues.
Being successful caused me to have low self-esteem. When you hear negative things about yourself, it becomes a mantra in your head: ‘You’re not good enough. You’re not a good actress, performer, person—you want candles in your room’—things that aren’t true!’ It’s the tape that plays in your head that’s dangerous, and what you want to do is reprogram that tape.
Does being called ‘Most Beautiful Person in the World’ make you feel like you need to always be on your game?
No, I don’t take it seriously. It’s flattering, but it’s going to be tomorrow’s trash. I don’t let that feed my ego in the way that some people could.
Are you gun-shy now about having a relationship in the public eye?
Right now, I just want to be on my own, have friends and get to know myself better. I have to love myself before I can love somebody else! And, if somebody comes along, that person can add to that happiness. AP