Jennifer Lopez expresses 'gratitude' for memories with Ben Affleck despite 'one of the hardest years'

By: Shawn
Jennifer Lopez does not linger on setbacks.

A source close to the 55-year-old diva told PEOPLE that "this has been one of the hardest years for Jennifer," who filed for divorce from Ben Affleck in August after two years together.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez attend the Los Angeles special screening of 'Marry Me' on February 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
Rich Fury/WireImage

"She did not wish to file for divorce. She simply felt as if she had no option." According to the insider, nothing was going to change with Ben.

Lopez stated April 26 as their separation date when she filed for divorce following a summer spent primarily apart on separate coasts.

"She was very upset about it," the insider said. "But, true to her optimistic attitude on life, she is going on with optimism. Instead of feeling like she has fallen flat on her face, she realizes it was meant to be. She's now taking some time for herself."

According to the insider, "She understands she lives a fortunate life in so many ways. She's grateful for all of her wonderful experiences with Ben, but she's now focused on building the greatest future for herself and her children."

Lopez appeared at the Toronto International Film Festival in September to promote her new film, Unstoppable, which Affleck and Matt Damon produced through their firm Artists Equity.

On September 14, the actress and Affleck took their children to lunch together in Los Angeles, which, according to a source, "makes [Lopez] happy seeing the kids happy together."

Lopez has twins Emme and Max, both 16, with ex-husband Marc Anthony. Affleck has three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner: Violet (18), Seraphina (15), and Samuel (12).

On October 9, Affleck was seen visiting the set of a movie he is working on in Los Angeles. A source told PEOPLE days before Lopez filed for divorce in August that Affleck "thrives when he's busy and has been working nonstop."

Lopez also announced on September 17 that she would co-star with Ted Lasso's Brett Goldstein in the forthcoming Netflix romance comedy Office Romance.

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