28 Oct The “D” Word

Lately I find myself surrounded by DIVORCE.  It seems that everywhere I look the dreaded “d” word crops up.  Every magazine I read seems to have countless stories about people divorcing.  Every television series showcases at least one divorced couple.

Here are some facts about my lineage:

• My maternal grandparents were married for 63 years.
• My paternal grandparents were married for 38 years.
• My parents have been married for 53 years.
• My sister and brother-in-law have been married for 14 years.

And then there is me.  DIVORCED…    

In my family, my marital status causes me to stick out like a sore thumb.  In life, I fit into the norm.  The statistics on divorce still shock me, and yet I am a part of them.

So, I would like to share my thoughts on DIVORCE.

It was never something that I thought would happen to me, but it did, and I am OKAY!

I don’t like the word divorce and cringe when anyone uses the term “divorcee.”  Is there not a better word that could have been chosen to describe a divorced person?

Divorce is the end of a marriage, but it is also the beginning of a new chapter.  New chapters can be very exciting and wonderful.

Divorce is very hard on everyone involved.  The couple, children, extended family members – no one walks away without scars.  Scars heal!  They need time, care and attention, but they DO HEAL.

Divorce is expensive; extremely expensive. Pick your battles wisely and when you can, save your money for good things.

Divorce can be scary.  It can creep up on you out of nowhere and leave you feeling dazed and confused.  But fear not, because confusion and uncertainty usually lead to strength and clarity.

Divorce can leave you feeling angry.  Allow yourself the time to feel the anger and then move on.  Let go.  Remember that if you hold onto the anger you will be the only person who suffers the discomfort that comes along with it.

After a divorce people often feel lonely, but that doesn’t mean that they are alone.  Lean on family and friends for companionship and help, and recognize your own strengths and abilities.

“Women are like tea bags.  We don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water.”  -Eleanor Roosevelt.

Xox,

Susan