My name is Kathleen and I have been officially divorced for nine months, but was separated, and on my own for a little over a year before the final paper work came through. It was during that time I found out quite a bit about myself. I am not speaking only about personal growth, forgiveness and inner strength – I am also speaking about the very real things you can see, hear and touch, for example; with a little determination, and lots of epoxy I can fix a leaky pipe. With that success I branched out into replacing broken floor tiles and swapping out a switch on the ceiling fan. Not bad. I can not construct a Cathedral, but I found out I can survive. However I also found out if you do not know where to go or do not ask the right questions you can be taken advantage of rather easily and that can be both embarrassing and costly…
As well during the first few months of my separation, and since I realized there were a lot of preconceived idea’s that came with my new title “Divorced” this I might add is not exclusive to just women there are stereo types for the divorced male as well, but speaking only for myself at this time here are just a few I’ve had to respond to personally; Women emerge from divorce more emotionally scarred and psychologically damaged - Most divorced women are immediately looking to remarry - Women bitterly regret divorce. HA! None of those assumptions could be farther from the truth, and every time a newly misinformed wonder-drone tries to enlighten me about what they’ve read somewhere it takes all the strength I have not to slap ‘em down.
Although not everything I have experienced after the divorce has been easy or fun it certainly has been educational, and eye opening. It also has been New, and it is for that very reason I decided I wanted a place where not only myself and others could vent, but where we could share and educate each other in all area’s that allow us to start again. Some of you may find a physical change is what you need so we’ll talk about health, swap recipes’ find walking groups or a great deal on a spa. Some of you may find yourself on a tight budget, so we’ll find people that will offer help at a low cost, create a bartering system according to skills, and locate financial advisors. Some may be ready to get right out there and mingle, so we’ll find local activities, group outings, and even babysitting.
The idea is to help one another move forward and away from the negative association of Divorce and start the transition, and rebuilding of a new You. Again it’s a work in progress, and the line above will have a different meaning for each and every person that reads it, but I hope you will join me on this journey of “Divorce; A New Beginning”.
Thank you for being a part of this, I look forward to knowing, and growing with each and every one of you.
