Healing after divorce and finding yourself again

Alexandria K.

I married my high school sweetheart and spent seven years thinking we had it all figured out. But by 26, we were divorced, and I felt completely alone navigating the grief and change when no one around me understood. At the same time, I was also working through religious trauma as a pastor’s daughter—processing deep betrayal from within the church while still holding onto my personal relationship with God. Healing didn’t come overnight. It took therapy, deep conversations with trusted people, and a lot of time learning to love myself again. More recently, I found the strength to walk away from a 14-year friendship with someone who showed signs of narcissistic personality disorder—a relationship I stayed in for far too long because I didn’t believe I deserved better. I know now how powerful it is to choose yourself, even when it’s painful. If you’re grieving a divorce, dealing with religious wounds, or learning to trust yourself again after betrayal, I would love to be someone you can talk it through with.

Beginning a new life as a single mom after a divorce

Anjali B.

I’m a single mom raising three girls—my oldest is 20, and my identical twins are 15. After being married for 28 years, I was suddenly forced to make the difficult decision to get a divorce. I never expected to find myself in that position, but I was able to get the divorce finalized in less than six months from the time I filed. Along the way, I learned a great deal about women’s rights, financial matters, and the complexities of starting over. Going through this experience has taught me so much, and I feel deeply passionate about helping other women who are facing similar situations. I know how overwhelming it can feel to navigate the emotional and financial aspects of divorce, and I’m here to offer support, advice, and encouragement through the process.

Co-parenting after a toxic divorce

Annie S.

I became a mom unexpectedly and married soon after, hoping to create something steady for my son. But not long into the marriage, I knew something wasn’t right. Still, I stayed. I wanted it to work, I tried counseling, therapy, and gave it everything I had. Over time, though, the relationship turned toxic and emotionally abusive. I felt stuck, unsure how to leave or start over, especially with two young boys depending on me. When they were 5 and 6, I finally made the hard decision to end the marriage. The divorce process was long and painful, and figuring out how to co-parent with someone I had so much history and tension with has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. But in the process, I’ve learned how to protect my peace, show up for my kids, and rebuild a life that feels like mine again. I share openly about this journey on Instagram and have connected with so many women who are also trying to navigate the chaos of co-parenting after a painful split. If you’re in the thick of it, I’m here to remind you: it’s not easy, but you can do this and you don’t have to do it alone.

Navigating life after divorce and building a new beginning

Belia K.

After a difficult divorce and being in an emotionally and mentally abusive relationship, I found myself at a crossroads. I didn’t have the language to understand what I was going through until I volunteered at a domestic violence shelter during our separation. That experience gave me a new perspective on how toxic relationships can shape our lives. As a single mom, I had to quickly learn how to balance being both the nurturer and the provider for my children. Raising three daughters on my own wasn’t easy, but over time, I realized that I had built a strong community of friends and mentors who helped me navigate the hardest parts of life. I learned that it truly takes a village, and being open to support from others was vital for my growth. Now, my daughters are all college-educated professionals, and I’m so proud of them. I’m happy to share my journey of perseverance and healing with others—whether it’s about creating new boundaries, learning how to trust again, or rediscovering yourself after tough times.

Navigating friendship changes during big life transitions

Carrie M.

Becoming a parent changed my friendships in ways I never expected. Some friends drifted away when I couldn't make last-minute plans or stay out late anymore. Others seemed uncomfortable with my new reality, like they didn't know how to relate to me once I had kids. I felt guilty for not being as available, but also resentful when friends didn't understand why a simple dinner out now required two weeks of planning. I was grieving the spontaneous connections I used to have while trying to figure out who I was in these relationships now. The loneliness was real. I found myself surrounded by people at playgrounds and school events, but craving the deep conversations and authentic connections I used to have. Making mom friends felt awkward—were we connecting as people or just because our kids were the same age? I struggled with boundaries, too, feeling like I had to say yes to every social invitation to prove I was still fun, even when I was exhausted. I was trying to maintain my old friendships while building new ones, and doing neither very well. What I learned is that friendships, like everything else, need to evolve with your life stages. Some relationships naturally faded, and that was okay. Others deepened in unexpected ways when I got honest about what I needed and what I could offer. I discovered that quality mattered more than quantity, and that showing up authentically—even if it looked different than before—was better than pretending nothing had changed. If you're feeling disconnected from old friends, struggling to make new ones, or wondering how to maintain meaningful relationships while parenting, you're not alone in this shift.

Learning what life looks like after being a mom for many years and now that the children are grown

Christine E.

In a few days, I will turn 50. I am not too sure I like that. I've been doing more looking back than looking forward. Knowing that 50 years of my life are gone, and most of them I identified as a Mom and homeschool Mom. I've been having a lot of trouble figuring out what the rest of my life will look like. I have taken some steps. Last year, I started a pet sitting, a mostly cat sitting, side business. I also completed the training to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist.

Staying sober when weed and alcohol were your escape

Christopher D.

For most of my adult life, alcohol and weed were how I coped. I started drinking in my early 20s and didn’t really face the consequences until my 30s—by then, I had lost jobs, been arrested, and damaged some really important relationships. Weed felt like a comfort, but eventually, I realized I was just numbing my life away. Getting sober hasn’t been a straight line for me—I’ve had multiple stretches of sobriety, but this current one has lasted over five years. I’ve tried different tools along the way, including therapy, 12 Steps, SMART Recovery, and rehab. What really helped was learning how to become my own best friend. Today, I continue to use support groups and counseling to stay grounded. I’ve also helped people close to me get into recovery themselves—taking them to treatment, helping them find meetings, and staying in their corner while they got clean. If you’re struggling with sobriety or just figuring out where to begin, I’m here to talk it through with no judgment.

Parenting through challenges, navigating big life transitions, and building healthy relationships

Dana K.

I became a parent while finishing graduate school, balancing a newborn, academic demands, and a move to Alaska all at once. As my daughter grew, I learned to navigate her ADHD and later, the major emotional hurdles that came with her Long Covid diagnosis. At the same time, I was working through profound changes in my own life—struggling in my marriage, recognizing my identity as a gay woman, and healing after a suicide attempt in 2017. Therapy became a lifeline, helping me rediscover my authentic self, leave my marriage on good terms, and eventually build a healthy new marriage based on communication and mutual understanding. Now, as a longtime educator, a parent, and someone who has rebuilt a full, genuine life, I’m passionate about helping others work through parenting stress, relationship transitions, identity discovery, and emotional healing.

Parenting through challenges, navigating big life transitions, and building healthy relationships

Dana K.

I became a parent while finishing graduate school, balancing a newborn, academic demands, and a move to Alaska all at once. As my daughter grew, I learned to navigate her ADHD and later, the major emotional hurdles that came with her Long Covid diagnosis. At the same time, I was working through profound changes in my own life—struggling in my marriage, recognizing my identity as a gay woman, and healing after a suicide attempt in 2017. Therapy became a lifeline, helping me rediscover my authentic self, leave my marriage on good terms, and eventually build a healthy new marriage based on communication and mutual understanding. Now, as a longtime educator, a parent, and someone who has rebuilt a full, genuine life, I’m passionate about helping others work through parenting stress, relationship transitions, identity discovery, and emotional healing.

Surviving a narcissistic marriage and finding love again

Dragana K.

I moved to the United States from Serbia with my ex-husband, who was a scientist pursuing his education. We started our family here, but over time, it became clear that he wasn’t as involved as I was. Our communication issues began to grow, and as the years passed, I started to recognize signs of narcissism in him. The verbal and emotional abuse took a toll on my self-esteem, and things got worse when he had an affair. The affair was incredibly painful, especially since we lived in a small town where everyone knew. The stress was overwhelming, and although we tried to reconcile, a family psychologist advised me to leave him. Two years later, I met my current husband, a psychologist, who helped me realize that I was a survivor of a narcissistic relationship. Now, I’m passionate about helping others who are navigating similar struggles, offering a compassionate ear and the support that I wish I had during those difficult times.

Parenting through health challenges, single parenting, and building resilience after divorce

Ginny L.

When my son was just four years old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to navigate the exhausting world of chemo while also parenting a small child. Later, my son was diagnosed with POTS and ADHD, adding new layers of challenges to our life together. In the midst of it all, I went through a divorce when he was thirteen and transitioned to single parenting. Through each of these experiences, I leaned on my background in healthcare, my deep understanding of mental health, and my belief in human resilience. Now, as a breast cancer survivor, an RN, and a mom of a thriving teen, I offer my calm presence and practical advice to others navigating tough life transitions, parenting challenges, or the emotional ups and downs of single parenting and recovery.

Parenting through health challenges, single parenting, and building resilience after divorce

Ginny L.

When my son was just four years old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to navigate the exhausting world of chemo while also parenting a small child. Later, my son was diagnosed with POTS and ADHD, adding new layers of challenges to our life together. In the midst of it all, I went through a divorce when he was thirteen and transitioned to single parenting. Through each of these experiences, I leaned on my background in healthcare, my deep understanding of mental health, and my belief in human resilience. Now, as a breast cancer survivor, an RN, and a mom of a thriving teen, I offer my calm presence and practical advice to others navigating tough life transitions, parenting challenges, or the emotional ups and downs of single parenting and recovery.

The changes facing you as shift to life after 50ish

JanMarie L.

Aging is a tricky thing. I have learned so much about life, myself, transition and reclaiming as I've journeyed through the last 15+ years. No one prepared me for the cycles and what would be happening. I have discovered that I was and am able to recenter myself and be authentic and whole. The journey is hard. I have lived experience with childhood trauma, disordered eating, substance abuse and early widowhood. I imagined that once I reached 50's it would be smooth sailing. I was wrong! Let's talk about your experiences and discover how you can be your best as you grow!

Redefining your identity after retirement

Janice W.

I grew up in Chicago, went to public schools, and worked my way through a state college. In my thirties, while working full-time in client services, I earned my law degree through night school because I’ve always believed that the desire to educate yourself is one of the healthiest things a person can have. Life brought many chapters—triplets, career shifts, marriage, divorce, and eventually, retirement. Through all of it, communication has been my biggest teacher. There was a time when I couldn’t control my emotions in tough conversations, especially with people I loved. I'd jump to conclusions, speak from frustration, and regret it later. Over time—and with the help of therapy, support from loved ones, and lots of self-work—I learned to slow things down. I started imagining the word “respect” across the forehead of the person I was talking to. I practiced deep listening and learned to pause before reacting. These tools helped me not only in my marriage and parenting but in deepening all of my relationships. I’ve coached friends through hard breakups, parenting stress, and tension with partners. Helping others navigate conflict with more compassion and clarity has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I’d love to talk with you if you’re struggling to stay grounded in emotionally intense moments—especially with the people who matter most.

Finding yourself again in midlife after burnout and divorce

Jill K.

Hi, I’m a divorced mom of four (ages 7 to 16), and a few years ago, I hit a wall—hard. Professionally, I was burned out. Personally, I was unraveling. I had always been the one who “had it together,” but inside, I was crumbling under the weight of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and unspoken mental health struggles. At 40, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and it was like turning on a light in a room I didn’t know I’d been sitting in all my life. That diagnosis became a starting point—not just for understanding my brain, but for learning how to stop abandoning myself. I’ve been slowly and steadily untangling my identity from old stories and outdated roles. Divorce brought its own set of heartbreak and growth, especially as a mom trying to guide four kids through the same transition. There’s no roadmap for rebuilding your life in midlife, but I’ve gotten really good at getting curious, asking the right questions, and leaning into the unknown. I don’t have everything figured out, but I’m no longer afraid to start over—and I’d love to walk with you while you find your way, too.

Parenting, identity, and life transitions

Jodi H.

Coming out at 28 and building a life with a same-sex partner took courage, patience, and a deep sense of purpose. Over three decades later, that partnership is still going strong—with two grown children, a loving home, and a lot of wisdom gained along the way. With 25 years as a school counselor, there’s firsthand insight into the challenges people face around identity, parenting, family conflict, loss, and the big transitions that define us—like becoming a parent, starting a career, or retiring. This is someone who understands what it means to raise children in a non-traditional family, to help others navigate their coming-out journeys, and to walk beside people as they step into new phases of life. Whether you're trying to build a life that reflects who you are, support your kids through change, or simply find your footing again, you're not alone.

Divorce and/or leaving a domestic violent marriage

Katie G.

I started dating when I was 30 years old. I was a late bloomer and met my ex-husband through dating apps. We dated for a year, engaged for 9 months, and married for 3.5 years. During the marriage, we struggled through accusations of infidelity and jealousy, deep insecurity, threats to ruin my career, untreated mental health conditions, alcohol addiction, and one income. The world shut down for Covid and that's when my entire marriage when from struggling and challenging to emotionally abusive and stuck. I was able to leave as soon as vaccines were available and had a strong support system around me to file for divorce. It was challenging, even post-divorce, as he continued to stalk me online for two years. However, I am alive and am very happy to share my experience and help others who may be struggling in their relationships or marriage.

Raising a child as a single teen parent

Lyndsie B.

I had my son when I was 17 years old, still a junior in high school, and it changed my life completely. Balancing school, work, and a newborn was overwhelming at times, but I was determined to create a better life for both of us. With help from friends and family, a lot of long nights, and even longer days, I managed to graduate, go to college, and eventually earn a Master’s degree. It wasn't easy. There were moments I felt like I was failing, moments I missed milestones, and moments I didn’t know if I could keep going. But through it all, I built a beautiful relationship with my son, who is now an amazing young man. Being a single teen parent forced me to grow up fast, but it also gave me incredible resilience, compassion, and strength that I carry with me today. I understand the loneliness, the fear, and the pure determination it takes to parent young and alone. I'd love to support others who are navigating this tough, beautiful journey.

Navigating sobriety after a high-energy lifestyle

Maan W.

In my 20s, I was living the fast life in NYC, working in the nightlife industry, partying, and using substances like MDMA to keep up with the pace. The crashes, both physical and emotional, were brutal, and eventually, I realized I couldn’t keep living that way. In my 30s, I made the choice to get sober, which meant walking away from the lifestyle I’d known for years. It wasn’t easy there were moments of loneliness and self-doubt ,but over time, I found strength in creating a new path for myself. Sobriety allowed me to reconnect with who I really am and pursue meaningful goals. Today, I’m in grad school, working toward my counseling degree, and I’m passionate about helping others who’ve struggled like I did. I know firsthand the challenges of breaking free from old habits, and I’d love to help others navigate their own journey to sobriety.

Midlife changes and adjustments

Melissa J.

The first thing I want you to know is that you are going to be okay. Midlife brings huge changes that can feel overwhelming and painful, especially when limitations start to affect your daily life. I faced this head-on when I began to change during midlife, and I struggled with depression and a loss of hope. It felt like I was losing the person I used to be and wasn’t sure how to move forward. But over time, I learned to redefine myself and find new meaning and purpose beyond what I had expected. It wasn’t easy and took patience, but I discovered a new, authentic path that's fulfilling. I want to share my experience and remind anyone going through this that great things are still ahead and change can bring joy.