Hi, I’m Lisa, 48 years old, and a single mom for the past 3 years. Divorce wasn’t something I ever planned for, but life has a way of pushing us into situations we never imagined. At first, it felt like my entire world was crumbling. The life I had built over two decades—a marriage, a family, a sense of stability—was suddenly gone. I was left with questions I couldn’t answer: Who am I without this marriage? How do I start over, especially as a single mom?

It was terrifying, but slowly, I realized that divorce wasn’t the end of my story; it was an opportunity to start fresh. It was the beginning of a new chapter, one where I could finally prioritize myself and my happiness. I started rediscovering who I was before the marriage—the Lisa who had dreams, passions, and ambitions.

One of the first steps was rebuilding my identity. I went back to school to finish a degree I had put on hold for years, and it felt empowering to invest in my own growth. I also started therapy, which helped me process the grief, guilt, and resentment I carried. Piece by piece, I began reclaiming my life and understanding my worth.

Being a single mom hasn’t been easy, but my kids have been my greatest motivation. They’ve seen me fall apart, but they’ve also seen me rebuild. It’s taught them resilience, and I hope they learn that it’s okay to start over, no matter how daunting it seems.

Divorce gave me the chance to design a life that makes me truly happy—one where I set the terms. It’s a journey of rediscovery, and while it hasn’t been easy, I wouldn’t trade the strength and freedom I’ve gained for anything.