"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us" ~ Helen Keller
Divorce is often perceived as a devastating loss and no doubt about it - divorce, even the very best divorce - is challenging. But challenging is not the same as devastating. Divorce can be a beautiful invitation for positive change and a more authentic life, if one is willing to see it that way. I love Helen Keller's quote because she reminds us that wonderful things are waiting for us. All we need to do is shift our focus.
"Life begins on the other side of despair" ~ Jean-Paul Sartre
If there was just one message I could give to all the other Divorced Moms out there, it would be to remember that the quality of their life is entirely up to them.
"Acceptance is not submission; it is acknowledgement of the facts of a situation. Then deciding what you are going to do about it" ~ Kathleen Casey Theisen
There is a lot to accept with divorce, not all of it easy. Understanding that acceptance does not mean defeat - that in fact it is a wise choice - empowers Divorced Moms to make choices that will make them happier and stronger women.
"Do you prefer that you be right, or that you be happy?" ~ A Course In Miracles
Too many divorcing couples spend too much time in court fighting what I call 'ego fights'. They become overly concerned with 'winning' and 'being right'. If they could just take some time early on to get clear with themselves about what is really worth fighting for. Every unnecessary trip to court costs them time, money, energy, dignity and hope. And every unnecessary battle costs their children everything.