A Little MS with a Little MSW

Anyone divorced?

Today is nine years since I became an official divorcee. In my state, twelve months of separation is required before a divorce is made final, so technically, I have not lived with my ex for a decade now. In many ways, the past ten years feels like a lifetime rolled into one.

Time periods in our lives are often metaphorically referred to as chapters, or seasons. If we stick with that line of thinking, my last decade has definitely been a big, fat novel, encompassing every single one of the four seasons, over and over again.

I would prefer to focus on the best chapters and seasons, though: I reconnected with some special people from my past; had amazing adventures with my daughters; found a partner who makes me feel cherished; earned a master’s degree; met some beautiful new people; and was reminded of the strength that lies within, time and time again.

If there is one thing life has taught me: whatever you are going through, the sun WILL shine again. Have you read or watched The Help? Well, read or watch it again, because YOU IS KIND, YOU IS SMART, YOU IS IMPORTANT.

Divorce is hard. It requires us to pivot. To rediscover. To reinvent. Mourn the loss, but also embrace the change. If you are currently living a winter of divorce or single parenthood, I am sure you are rolling your eyes at my platitudes. I don’t blame you. Newly divorced me with two young kids would have done the same. Allow this post to bring you encouragement and hope, though. Winter inevitably fades to spring, and spring to summer.

Today, I celebrate nine years divorced from a much better place. Maybe today you are celebrating getting out of bed or being the parent who has the honor of seeing your kids every morning and putting them to bed every night. Winter is hard, but snow can be so beautiful. Hold on…your spring is coming.