Divorce is one of the most difficult things that can happen in a life. Many professionals and individuals who have muddled through it liken it to a death. It was definitely like that for me. It’s been more than 10 years since my divorce and I can finally talk about it without too much difficulty, but I can vividly remember the pain I experienced in the process. You may wonder why I decided to talk about this topic here and on the podcast – it’s because I know that I’m not alone.
The sad reality is that hundreds of thousands of divorces happen every year in the U.S. That’s a lot of heartache. I remember, on my worst days thinking that it would never stop hurting. I wondered if I would ever be happy again. And I also know that along the way from “I do” to being “restored” to my maiden name and through the weeks, months, and years after, I found peace, hope and joy again. I’ve also connected over shared grief with so many people walking the same road. Dee and I both agreed that this topic fits in our goal to talk about all kinds of issues that effect health and wellness. This is a deeply personal issue – and a very personal episode.
To help us walk through this issue, Dee’s girlfriend Cecilia Oro-Schenk joined us to share her divorce and recovery experience. Cecilia works in the financial industry where she assists individuals in planning for their short and long term financial goals. After been single for 18 years, she married Allen in 2009. She has been a DivorceCare member and leader. She is wise and kind and you will love her, as I do.
BTW, we aren’t advocating for divorce. In fact, you will learn in this show that we are big fans of marriage! (Disclosure: We both adore and are fully devoted to our husbands and they to us.) We believe that you should do everything you can to save your marriage, if it’s safe to do so. We also recognize that sometimes that’s not possible.
If you know someone who is struggling with divorce, if you’ve been through it, or you’re in the middle right now, we hope this show encourages you. It can get better. xo
Listen to Episode 16: “Beauty from Ashes: Getting through divorce” here or subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, and more by searching for Southern Fried Girlfriends Podcast on your favorite podcast app. Swing on over to The Southern Fried Girlfriends Facebook page to chat about this topic, get some other resources, and look out for my Monday EVENING Chat Live there too (8pm ET)!
References and Resources Mentioned in the Show:
- DivorceCare.org – find a divorce seminar or group in your area to get support from people who understand what it’s like to go through divorce. You can also sign up for daily email encouragement here.
- “How long does typical divorce recovery take?” Article at PsychologyToday.com
- Boundaries, by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
- Episode 11: Faith Beats Fear with Lakeshia Poole
- Sonset Point Ministries: The Journey Through Divorce
