In a recent episode of the Lipstick on the Rim podcast, Jennifer Garner opened up about her personal growth following her split from actor Ben Affleck.
Garner shared her insights on life, love, and the importance of self-responsibility, revealing how her mother’s wisdom has shaped her outlook.
With a blend of humor and sincerity, she discussed the lessons she’s learned about relationships and personal well-being.
One of Garner’s cherished mantras, which she attributes to her mother, is that “happiness is your own responsibility.”
This notion resonates deeply with the actress, who experienced the challenges of her ten-year marriage to Affleck, which was marred by his struggles with alcohol and a scandal involving a nanny.
Through it all, Garner discovered a profound truth: the only person capable of changing Affleck is Affleck himself.
Reflecting on her journey, Garner emphasized the importance of accepting oneself and the reality of emotions.
While many perceive her as the ever-optimistic star of Hollywood, she candidly admitted that maintaining positivity isn’t always feasible.
“You kind of are where you are,” she explained, highlighting the necessity of surrounding oneself with supportive friends who can provide a safe space during tough times.
Garner’s resilience has been tested in recent years, particularly with the loss of her father, Bill, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 85.
In navigating her grief, she has shown her children—Violet, 19, Finn, 15, and Samuel, 12—the significance of finding strength in adversity.
She hopes they will continue to cultivate their resilience as they grow.
The actress also spoke about her coping mechanisms, which include exercise, validating her feelings, and leaning on her close-knit support system.
“I’m a big believer in movement as medicine,” she stated, underscoring how physical activity helps her process emotions and maintain mental well-being.
For Garner, the act of moving her body is not just a routine; it’s a vital part of her healing.
When faced with difficult days, Garner practices acknowledgment of her feelings.
“If you wake up and you have a cloud over your head, I acknowledge it,” she shared.
This honest approach allows her to confront her emotions rather than suppress them, paving the way for healthier processing.
Moreover, the actress highlighted the joy of laughter and companionship.
Being surrounded by incredible women who uplift her has become a cornerstone of her support system.
“It’s just being around people with whom you can laugh and who laugh at you,” she said, emphasizing the power of friendship in overcoming life’s challenges.
Garner’s journey is a testament to the idea that change must come from within.
Her experiences have taught her that attempting to alter another person is futile, a lesson she learned through her marriage.
This revelation has empowered her to focus on her own growth and happiness, a message she hopes resonates with others.
As she navigates this new chapter in her life, Garner continues to embrace the complexities of her emotions.
She recognizes that it’s okay to not be perfect all the time and that allowing oneself grace is essential.