Lindsay Lohan says the turbulent years of her past have given her invaluable life lessons—ones that now guide her toward a more positive approach to motherhood.

The 39-year-old star appeared at a panel discussion during the Wellness Oasis holistic health event in Miami on December 3, where she opened up about her journey as a mother and her new chapter in life.

“Over time, I’ve realized that past experiences can become lessons you pass on to your child, giving them a different perspective,” Lohan said, speaking about her two-year-old son, Luai. “I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned through earlier challenges. It’s wonderful that I can now help guide my child toward a better path.”

The actress shared that she cherishes every moment of motherhood, especially the feeling of sharing the world with a life she created. “When you look into your child’s eyes and they look back at you, it’s such a special moment. You really have to appreciate it—an entire magical world opens up right there,” she said.

Lohan also discussed her ongoing mental wellness journey, which includes gratitude journaling and practicing Pilates. Since returning to acting, she has realized how important it is to maintain these habits even during busy periods, noting that the fast pace of Hollywood can easily pull her into an unhealthy rhythm.

Beyond wanting to be a good role model for her son, Lohan said she also hopes to inspire younger audiences. She credits her sense of inner peace to learning not to dwell on outside judgment and instead focusing on self-growth. For her, truly understanding who she is makes the noise fade away and motivates her to keep evolving and spreading positivity.

Currently based in Dubai, Lohan lives with her husband and son, occasionally returning to the U.S. for film projects and public appearances. She married financial executive Bader Shammas in 2022, and the couple welcomed their first child in the summer of 2023. Lohan describes her life now as simple yet fulfilling. “These days, I just want to be with my family. The older I get, the more I realize that a simpler life can be far more meaningful,” she said, adding that waking up each morning and holding her son fills her with happiness.

Lindsay Lohan rose to fame at just 12 years old after starring in Disney’s The Parent Trap (1998). Roles in beloved films such as Freaky Friday, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, and Mean Girls quickly made her one of Hollywood’s biggest young stars.

However, from the mid-2000s onward, her party-heavy lifestyle began to overshadow her career. Lohan was frequently photographed leaving nightclubs while intoxicated, entered rehab for the first time in January 2007, and was arrested five months later for driving under the influence. In the years that followed, she faced repeated legal troubles, spending a total of 250 days in rehab, being detained six times, and serving jail time.

In 2014, the American star made a firm decision to turn her life around. She moved to the UK, later settling in Dubai, where she lived largely out of the spotlight for several years before making her Hollywood comeback in 2022.