It occured to me recently that many friends and acquaintances around my age have very important, exciting dates to look forward to – namely, weddings or pregnancy due dates.
It’s an odd feeling, around all of this, to have my own divorce date now set in stone.
The specifics of my separation and divorce are known to a handful of people, just as I like it. Unlike my sister (love you, Audrey!), I tend to reflect inward through difficult periods and not share too much.
Just over a year ago, I wrote a post in which I reflected on the 10 years since graduating high school. One of the passages was:
Regrets? I don’t believe in them. Sure, sometimes I wonder how things would have turned out if I had done something differently. But there is no other place I would rather be in my life right now, so somehow everything turned out as it was supposed to.
It’s funny; even though I am at a completely different place at this moment, a year later, from where I was then, I can still say the same about my life now.
This year has certainly had its lows so far, but it has had many, many highs, as well. I have learned a lot about myself, and I have a lot to look forward to… including, of course, celebrating the weddings of many friends and the births of other friends’ babies!
Jane, your positive outlook is inspiring! But your strength and spirit come as no surprise. 🙂 I hope things are going well! (It’s been too long!)
Jane,
Have I ever told you how much I love you and how proud I am to be your Father? Oh, I have, at least a million times you say…oh, ok…
sorry for repeating myself, but I can’t help it!
I love you.
Dad
I agree wholeheartedly, getting to where we are is because of where we have been. I firmly believe if it does not kill you it make you a better (and stronger) person.
**squeeze**
Big hug from me to you.
You truly are an inspiration, in your outlook on life. I’m praying you are lead through this with grace and peace.
Jane, it seems like ages since we first “met” when you left me a comment from your Mama Doggy Love blog. It amazes me to see all the changes and experiences we’ve both gone through in the past few years. You were my first “blog friend”! LOL!
Your positive thoughts always carried me through whatever it was I was going through. I just know that this same positive attitude will get you through any challenges or difficult times you may face.
I’ve said this a zillion and one times, but you are so very talented, intelligent, beautiful, friendly, funny, kind, thoughtful, strong, and every other positive adjective I can think of! I have no doubt at all that you will have every happiness in the world 🙂
Every experience we have, whether positive or negative, teaches us valuable lessons. I know it sounds really cliche, but it’s true. I was in a 5 yr relationship that ended in a not so pretty break up. I was crushed, disillusioned, and down right devastated. I didn’t handle things with the finess and grace you are handling things. Then one day, I decided to let go. I decided it was futile to harp over the ‘why’s and the ‘what could have been’s. Sometimes things just aren’t meant to be and there’s no sense in dwelling. I ended up doing things for ME and I started to ‘live’ again. I had wonderful support from family and friends. Life was good. Then I met Hubby and two years later, we’ve got our precious Little One.
Things do happen for a reason. Lessons are never in shortage. I’ve learned that we learn a lot about ourselves, our values, what we want, and what we deserve.
Wow! Sorry this is such a LONG comment! I initially meant to say that I luv ya and am always thinking of ya! XOXO
I’m so honored to know you and am amzed every day how you handle yourself with such grace – we could all take a lesson!
That is perfect faith. I admire your optimism and I know you will have greater things to look forward to.
There is not shame in divorce. Better to divorce and save your sanity than to try to stick it out and lose your mind. It’s not worth it. Mike has been divorced for approx. 7 years. They got married too young. He fell deeply in love but it was mostly one sided. Very sad because it took him a long time to get over it. Not sure if he’s 100% over it now but he’s much better than what he was. After his divorce and sale of home, he was on his own for a while but ended up moving back home. It was supposed to be for only a little while but it’s been 4 years and my husband and I are more than ready for him to move on. I think he’s nearly ready too. Although if I had all the perks he has of living for free with no chores, I’d stay as long as I could too.
You have a lot to offer and some day you’ll meet the right person who will appreciate how wonderful you are and treasure you. Until that day, just keep doing what you’re doing because it’s pretty great.
Jane, I am sorry to hear about the divorce. My (now ex-) husband and I filed as well in May. It’s a difficult thing. But I am glad to see you are well and have this attitude. I share that with you. While difficult, it brings with it many lessons and much growth.
I’m here if you need someone to talk to.
I didn’t know. I am sorry, but more people need to be as positive as you, that is for sure. Me included! Give a snuggle to my two furry friends!