At 38, I never thought I would find myself getting a divorce. I had always believed in happily-ever-after, but after years of trying to make my marriage work, I realized it wasn’t what I had imagined. My husband and I had grown apart over the years. We were no longer the couple who laughed together or shared dreams. Instead, we were just two people living parallel lives under the same roof, stuck in a cycle of resentment and unmet expectations.

The decision to divorce was not easy, but in hindsight, it was the best thing I could have done. I found freedom in embracing who I am—outside of being someone’s wife. I started pursuing my passions that I had put on the back burner, like painting and traveling. The relationships I had neglected, including friendships, were rekindled as I reconnected with people who had always been there for me.

While I had some moments of fear about being alone or uncertain of what came next, I quickly realized that being on my own allowed me to rediscover myself in a way I hadn’t been able to for years. I learned to prioritize my happiness, to take control of my life, and to embrace the future with excitement rather than dread. Divorce wasn’t a failure—it was a stepping stone to the next chapter of my life, one that’s filled with joy, independence, and the freedom to live life on my terms.