Divorce is no longer the social taboo it was inBridgertontimes.
But that doesnt mean the stigma is a thing of the past.
Dont just take our word for it, either.
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No one was holding me back anymore, so I could finally advance my career.
Divorce wasnt something I wanted to do.
But oh my God, this experience changed me.
Now, Ive added another business to my roster.
I feel so freewhich I always wanted while I was marriedand now Im unstoppable.
Divorce is necessary sometimes.
Id rather be single and figure out co-parenting than yelling and receiving nasty stares.
I married my high school sweetheart when I was 21.
We were married for 16 years and, truthfully, it shouldve ended at year 12.
I knew it was over whenmarriage counselingwas ineffective because I was the only one trying.
It was time to go.
The kids werent running upstairs.
The house was so quiet.
Thats when I realized, I did not know who I was.
I had no identity other than being a husband and father for the past 20 years.
I started a movie review channel on YouTube, where I posted videos on a regular schedule.
(This actually helped me get a new job title and higher paying salary.)
Finally, I loved what I did for a living.
Leaving a toxic relationship helped me learn that I deserve a healthier one.
We married young and had three children.
There wasinfidelityand other toxic things that I dealt with for years.
It was over.I was done.
Since then, Ive been able to focus on bettering myself, instead of dealing with his drama.
I also met an amazing man (I recently got engaged!).
I definitely dont believe that now.
Honestly, I didnt want to get married to begin with.
My ex wasvery controllingwith a bad temper, and I was a people pleaser.
Ending my marriage is when my life STARTED.
Was it hard at times?
Absolutely, but I was unhappy, a mere shell of a human, and miserable.
I knew I would rather struggle as a single mom than remain in the situation I was in.
Since the separation, Iwent to therapy.
I started eating in a way that felt good and working out.
Imade new friendsand chose to embrace life as one grand adventure.
I also learned what I do (and dont) want in a relationship.
Everything improvedmy physical health, mental health, career, social life.
I feel like I can take on anything.Deb O.
My solid support system helped me see how incredibly loved I am.
I got divorced a little over nine years ago.
I come from a very progressive family, and they were all so supportive of my decision.
This (and therapy) helped me overcome all the pain.
Looking back now, this process has been very liberating.
I learned how to find happiness and confidence on my own, instead of depending on others.
During the divorce, I learned through counseling that I was (and am) enough.
So, I gradually became more positive.
Istarted meditating, which helped with my anxiety and calmed my mind.
Theres a new life waiting for you on the other side of divorceIm living proof of that.
Everything changed after my divorce.
Istarted datingfor fun and connections (and not with the goal of marriage).
I didnt get married with the expectation of getting divorced.
I didand still dolove my ex and hope for his happiness.
Eventually, we understood that for both of us to feel fulfilled, it was better to move on.
I moved from my home state and now live in my dream city.
