What Lies Ahead: Embracing the Unknown After Divorce

Here I am, 7 days post being a fully divorced person. Let's address the elephant in the room – divorce is tough. It shakes you at your core, makes you question everything you thought you knew, and leaves you feeling like you're adrift in uncharted waters. I won't sugarcoat it; 7 days ago, I was a complete mess. Scared, ridden with guilt, barely able to peel myself off the couch. But you know what? Maybe that breakdown was exactly what my body and heart needed to shake off the weight that had been suffocating me for years.

Luke and I had 25 years of history – the good, the bad, and the ugly. We lived in a constant dance of push and pull, hurt and love, anger and joy. Now that the dust has settled, I realize that this divorce doesn't mean the end of the world. In fact, I feel lighter, unburdened not because I don't love him, but because I can finally let go of the hurt and anger that had built up over time. It's like shedding old skin and stepping into a new, uncertain future.

As I look ahead, I see the opportunity to co-parent our girls in a happy, healthy environment. It's a chance to break the cycle of conflict and create a new narrative for our family. Who would have thought that separating could be the most mature decision we've made in our marriage? It's a bittersweet realization, but one that fills me with hope for what lies ahead.

Sure, the road ahead is daunting. It's a blank canvas waiting to be painted with new memories, new experiences, and new milestones. There will be moments of fear, of sadness, of uncertainty. But you know what? I'm ready. I'm ready to write my own story, to turn the page and start a new chapter. And I'm not alone.

I am surrounded by the best of the best – friends, family, loved ones who have lifted me up in my darkest moments. Their support, their love, their unwavering presence have been my guiding light in this storm. I am grateful beyond words for each and every one of them. And you know what I've realized? I want to pay it forward. I want to be that beacon of light for others who may be navigating the rough waters of divorce.

So here's to a new week, a new beginning, a new chapter in my life. Cheers to the possibilities that lie ahead, to the strength that resides within me, and to the love that surrounds me. I may not know what the future holds, but I know one thing for certain – I'm ready to embrace the unknown and turn it into something beautiful.

To everyone out there going through a tough time, remember this – you are stronger than you know, braver than you believe, and loved more than you can imagine. You've got this. And hey, if I can do it, so can you.