Being a single mom, whether you have an ex to co-parent with or not, is so full of ups and downs, you literally don't know how you're going to feel from one day to the next.
When I was 12, my parents divorced, and I watched them both try to navigate their new life. Needless to say, it wasn't easy for either of them. Because I was a child of divorce, I was determined to take a different path. I swore up and down I wouldn't get a divorce, no matter what.
We never know what life is going to throw at us, though, and here I am, a divorced woman trying to do right by my three kids while honoring myself and my new life.
Fortunately for me, there's one big difference between when my parents split up to now: from empowering podcasts like Splitting Upward to divorce coaches to online support groups, I have a ton of resources at my fingertips.
These days, it's also more acceptable to be a divorced woman. It's not as shameful as it seemed when I was a child. Those of us who are hustling, running our careers, and caring for our families are strong women! But that doesn't mean it's not hard and I don't need help and lots of support.
The thing that has helped me get through my divorce more than anything else was finding my people. Meaning, I sought out other divorced women — be it online or rekindling an old friendship with someone I went to high school with.
Having the commonality, and being able to talk about all the emotions surrounding divorce with another woman who has been through it, has been my saving grace.
There's nothing like having a single girlfriend to talk parenting, dating post-divorce, and the feelings I have about how scary it can be to be flying solo after being partnered for so long.
I'm here to say: Every divorced woman needs her village. There's so much power in knowing you're not alone.
All it takes is reaching out to let someone know you're in the same boat and wouldn't mind having some company on your journey.
Sure, it can be uncomfortable to put yourself out there, but take it from a fellow single mother — the benefits will pay off and you will be so glad you did.
In the meantime, there are always great podcasts like Splitting Upward to keep us company, offer advice and provide us with excellent resources.
Listen to Episode 10 of Splitting Upward:
