Wanted to grow from it, says Jennifer Lopez on divorce

London: Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez wanted to not only survive after her split from husband Marc Anthony but grow from the experience.

Lopez separated from her husband, with whom she has twins Emma and Max, five, two years ago after being together for seven years, reported Contactmusic.

"It was hard. When Marc and I decided to separate, I thought, 'I'm not going to let this turn me into someone who doesn't believe in love anymore'. I didn't want to just survive it, I wanted to grow from it," she said.

The 43-year-old star feels women need to realise they can love themselves before anybody else and should hold themselves in a much higher regard.

"I did learn a lot. Most importantly, to love myself first. As women, I don't think we do that enough. We always love somebody else more than ourselves. I did that for a long time and I couldn't understand why things weren't working. Then I realised I wasn't valuing myself in the way I deserved."