Ciara, who got engaged to NFL player Russell Wilson last month, is opening up about getting over a past relationship to find her future husband.
"You have to ask yourself, 'How do I want my life to be?' Even if something has gone wrong, you have to see not only what the other person may have done but also the wrong decisions you've made," she recalled in the May issue of Essence magazine.
"Then you have to figure out where you're going next and stay focused on the plan you have for yourself," she added. "That's what helps you respond to a moment of adversity."
Ciara and Russell Wilson Are Engaged Inside Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and Ciara's RelationshipCiara, 30, said her plan involved detailing what type of husband she was looking for after her very public split with ex-fiancé, rapper Future. The two have a 1-year-old son together, Future Zahir.
"I remember telling my friend the kind of guy I wanted: a God-fearing man with a very fun spirit who loves kids and would really, truly care for me," she said. "I was very specific because I do believe you can have it all."
The singer said part of her motivation was due to the fact that she never planned to be a single parent.
"That wasn't necessarily part of my vision. But the moment I realized I was going to be a single mother, I had to reflect and reorganize my thoughts. I decided to trust that God had a plan for me, and move forward one day at a time," she explained.
It paid off: Ciara accepted Wilson's proposal back in March, while the two vacationed in the Seychelles. They had been dating since April 2015.
The singer said she can't wait to start her new life with the Seattle Seahawks quarterback.
"Marriage is something I look forward to," Ciara gushed. "I believe in family, and the beauty of two people committing to spend their lives together."
Ciara credits good communication with Russell, 27, as the basis for their strong relationship.
"We talk about everything. To me, to both of us, that's the foundation you need for love to flourish and reach its highest place," she explained. "I want to live with as much lightness as possible, so I can stay focused on my love of God, and being the best mom, and the best person, I can be."