It has been two weeks after their split, Jennifer Lopez open up her feelings about her failed marriage with Marc Anthony, her husband for seven years.

“That was my biggest dream, and I really worked hard at it. We both did,” Lopez, 42, says of her failed union with Anthony, also 42.

It was her who walk away from the relationship when she realizes that she could compromise no longer. She adds, “I love myself enough to walk away from that now.”

Her self-respect and the need to be treated properly contributed to Jennifer Lopez’s decision.

Although she doesn’t get into specific about her rocky romance with Anthony , whom multiple insiders have described as frequently controlling and jealous, the single-again Lopez sounds triumphant.

Lopez says both she and Anthony worked at making their marriage work. “Sometimes it doesn’t work – and that’s sad. But I remain an eternal optimist about love. I believe in love.”

“I am positive–determined to move forward with my life, bring up my babies, and do the best job I can as a mother, entertainer, and person. I now look forward to new challenges. I feel strong,” she said.

Lopez now welcomes the challenges ahead and looks forward to being the best “mother, entertainer and person” she can be. Lopez is the mother of 3-year-old twins, Max and Emme.