Alicia Keys admitted that she learned to respect herself only after becoming a mother to her eldest son, Egypt, who is now five years old.
The In Common songstress, who has children Egypt and Genesis with husband Swizz Beatz, says that raising kids have opened up her eyes more.
She explained to Citizens of Humanity magazine: “I think that was the biggest change for me when I had my first son. I really kind of respected myself for the first time. I know that might sound weird, but I feel like in a lot of ways I did.
I respected my time for the first time and I respected the value of what that meant and what I was giving up when I spent it incorrectly or when I used it correctly. I just knew when to draw the line more, when I didn’t know how to do that before.”
She also revealed to be much more focused on the present and is appreciative of the things she has.
“I didn’t feel concerned about what I was going to miss out on or what I was going to lose by not doing whatever. Like choosing to be present. That was a big lesson – you grow up. You need to grow up like that.”
The 35-year-old hitmaker went on to explain what she considers important in relationships and marriage.
She added: “I think the most important thing in any relationship is presence – being present and really choosing to make the time and take the time for the people that you love.”