I haven’t talked much about the specifics of my divorce. It’s in the past. But yesterday marked three years since my divorce became final and that realization led me to reflect on how my life has changed.
Since July 9, 2021, I have become a different person. I’m much healthier; my blood pressure is down, my labs are all enviable. Initially I lost about 45 pounds. All the stress and anxiety that came with an unhappy marriage had manifested itself around my waist, hips and elsewhere. After my separation, I began to take better care of myself, both mentally and physically. With my newfound freedom, I have done so much, and looking back on these three years it’s been incredible.
My passion is travel. Since my separation, I have traveled to Scotland, Ireland, Greece, Turkey, Iceland, Chile, Costa Rica (twice), Mexico (on a cruise, and on land), Belize, Roatan, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. I have also visited Minnesota, Florida, Texas, Colorado, Michigan, San Francisco (and other places in California), New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, New York City, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and North Carolina.
I have hosted a book launching for a friend who made the NY Times Bestseller list. I met some penguins up close and personal; got to interact with a couple of dolphins. I also cuddled a sloth, played around with some monkeys, parrots and guinea pigs. I adopted a cat. I went on a hot air balloon ride. I saw my niece and then my nephew married to wonderful people. I buried my dad. I saw some of my favorite Latino musicians in concert - Juanes and Juan Luis Guerra (which has been a dream of mine since the 1980’s when I discovered his wonderful music). I did a glamour photo shoot. I’ve gone snorkeling and hiking and seen waterfalls and ice caves and ancient ruins and famous landmarks. I’ve gotten four new tattoos. Most of all, I have met some amazing people and found old friends I had lost touch with, and deepened my relationships with others. Most - if not all - of this would not have been possible were I still married.
I can breath again. I am in charge of my life and my moods and my eating/ sleeping/ drinking habits. I live for myself. I am at peace. It has been an amazing few years and I know I have lots more years ahead of me to enjoy life to the fullest. I still have plenty of things on my bucket list that I want to do while I still can. I realize that many of these activities have been possible because my kids are grown and on their own and frankly, I have a healthy economic situation. Not everyone has the financial ability to do what I’ve done.
I thought it would be fun to share a podcast I did with a group called Old Cow. It may give you some insight into who I was and who I am now. It’s a couple of years old, but my life has only gotten better.
Listen here:
If none of the above doesn’t demonstrate how much better my life is, maybe these pictures will help. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, so look at these pictures. The one on the left is from the same day my wasband cheated on me. The one on the right is a few months after my divorce. I know which person is happier, and I know which person I intend to be for the rest of my life.
So, take the plunge if your marriage is all wrong for you. There is life on the other side. Better days are ahead. And if you’ve taken that plunge, congratulations. The road ahead is difficult, but not impossible.
Remember: It takes great courage to be an optimist. So always be courageous.
Musical interlude (I listen to this every morning as part of my Alexa routine for waking up):
So happy to read you like Juanes! He’s from my hometown :)
You are amazing Anne. So glad that you are embracing life so thoroughly and are so happy. Cheers. Julie.