CELEBS| Jennifer Lopez: ‘Age is all in your mind’

She has recently joined the 50s club and looks better than ever. The international acclaimed performer, Jennifer Lopez, continues to defy time and hitting the big 5-0 doesn’t make her feel uncomfortable at all because for J.Lo: “age is all in your mind”.

What’s the secret of her success? Staying true to herself over the years while proving that anything is possible if you work hard enough, whether it’s balancing a superstar career with being the mother of twins, finding love, or looking that good at any age.

It’s really how you feel inside – she said-. Yes, I’m 50, but I also feel very youthful. I don’t think we have to be defined by all the labels that people want to put on us, especially age. At some point, I’m going to age. But, right now, I’m holding it together.

Never too old to wear high ponytails

Yes, you may think it’s easier when you have the top beauticians and personal trainers working for you all the time plus many dollars into your bank account but the truth is J.Lo. has a strong mind-set. She’s a fan of affirmations and reveals it’s the secret to her positive outlook on ageing.

I only do what my gut tells me to – she said-. I think it’s smart to listen to other people’s advice, but at the end of the day, you’re the only one who can tell you what’s right for you. I feel if in your mind you can do it, you can do it. You cannot doubt yourself. Doubt is a killer. You just have to know who you are and what you stand for. I know it’s hard for women to tap into that feeling of self-worth. We need to get the message out that you are valued, you are a goddess and don’t forget that.

Bronx native, she has released eight albums, starred in more than 32 movies (her 33rd, Hustlers, will be released this fall), starred in or hosted nearly a dozen television shows, released multiple fashion collaborations, and won countless awards, from MTV’s Music Video Vanguard Award to, most recently, the CFDA’s Fashion Icon Award for her “longstanding and global impact on fashion”.

Unforgettable with her Versace green Grammys Kaftan dress on, the singer recently said yes to former baseball player Alex Rodriguez‘s proposal during a romantic beach holiday. Yet, again, another way to prove it’s never too late to find love and redefine yourself and your life. Her favourite mantra? “Always remember: you will live, you will love. You will dance again.” Such an injection of positivity!

Exercise is the “key to my happiness”

Of course, we can’t deny J.Lo works hard to keep in shape and stay healthy: “I’ve taken care of myself- she said proudly- “and now it shows.” Great dancer, she confessed to workout five times a week and get 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night. On top of that, she follows a low carbs diet, she doesn’t drink and doesn’t smoke either. If you’re struggling for motivation to go to the gym J.Lo’s Instagram is a great place to start: she celebrates curves as well as muscles, just another way of saying: “I am youthful and timeless”.

Motherhood keeps you going

Another turning point? Becoming a mom to 10-year-old twins Emme Maribel Muñiz and Maximilian David Muñiz. Jennifer Lopez recently opened up to Harper’s Bazaar about how motherhood made her more regimented.

Once I had kids, I realised that I had to be better and do better. Not just for them but for myself. There’s something about being responsible for another human being that makes you go, ‘Okay, what am I doing for myself? How can I take care of someone else if I can’t even take care of myself? How can I teach them how they should be treated if I allow people to treat me in a way that’s not nice? How can I teach them to be hard workers if I’m not working hard?’ I started examining myself from all different angles.

Time to kick off your “Second Act”

If you are looking for some inspiration, don’t miss Jennifer Lopez’s film Second Act. Jennifer Lopez stars as Maya, a 40-year-old woman struggling with frustrations from unfulfilled dreams. Until that is, she gets the chance to prove to Madison Avenue that street smarts are as valuable as book smarts and that it is never too late for a Second Act.
For anyone who’s ever been told they weren’t enough, felt stigmatised by their life choices, or simply felt they don’t fit in, is for you. The comedy urges all of us, especially women, to break free from unhealthy societal pressures and expectations. Let’s get loud!