Angelina Jolie is back to her old self — and she apparently has her children to thank for that!
In a new interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the Maleficent 2 star sat spoke about how her battles throughout the years impacted her and ex Brad Pitt’s six kids: Maddox, 18 (not pictured), Pax, 15 (not pictured), Zahara, 14, Shilo, 13, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 11.
Angie didn’t go into detail about the “pain” or “harm” her children endured, but one might assume it has to do with the dramatic deterioration of her relationship with Pitt and their bitter, years-long divorce battle.
What the 44-year-old was clear about, though, is how resilient her kiddos are — and how their “strength” inspired her to be her best, truest self.
Related: Angelina Was In A ‘Deep And Real Sadness’ After Brad Separation
She explained:
“The part of us that is free, wild, open, curious can get shut down by life. By pain or by harm. My children know my true self, and they have helped me to find it again and to embrace it. They have been through a lot. I learn from their strength. As parents, we encourage our kids to embrace all that they are, and all that they know in their hearts to be right, and they look back at us and want the same for us.”
Sounds like they’re just as nurturing to Brad dad! (Most of them, at least!!)
For her part, Angie is making sure to inspire her kids to seek out knowledge — and not just on the computer. She explained:
“I am conscious every day that I have… the ability to encourage my children to explore the world, including the world of ideas and expression, without there being limits to what they are allowed to study or know or imagine themselves doing in the future… I want the children to grow up in the world — not just learning about it but living it and having friends around the world.”
The Oscar winner already put that plan into motion by building a home in the Cambodian jungle, a country where she recently became a citizen. In the future, she’s hoping to build another house in Africa and, once her children are grown, desires to live overseas.
Of course, that’s all down the road. For now, Angie acknowledges she must consider other individuals when it comes to her living situation (read: her ex hubby).
She said of Pitt:
“I would love to live abroad and will do so as soon as my children are 18. Right now I’m having to base where their father chooses to live.”
We’re sure you can get through it, momma!
Ch-ch-check out a stunning shot from Angie’s spread (below).
[Image via WENN]
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