I’m Emily, 60 years old, and I’ve been single for 10 years since my marriage ended. When my marriage dissolved, it felt like the ground beneath me had shifted. After decades of being part of a couple, I wasn’t sure how to navigate the world as “just Emily.” But as time went on, I learned something powerful: divorce isn’t the end; it’s an opportunity to evolve.

At first, the transition was overwhelming. My identity had been so tied to my roles as a wife and partner that I hardly recognized myself. Who was I without that label? It was terrifying, but it also forced me to confront questions I hadn’t asked in years: What do I want? What makes me happy? What kind of life do I truly want to live?

Rediscovering myself became my mission. I started small, taking a pottery class at a local community center. I hadn’t created art since my 20s, and it reawakened a passion I’d forgotten. From there, I explored other interests—gardening, writing, even traveling solo. Each step was a reminder that I could still grow and evolve, even at this stage in life.

The journey wasn’t just about passions; it was also about self-compassion. I had to let go of the guilt I carried and accept that the end of my marriage didn’t mean I had failed. Divorce taught me that it’s okay to choose yourself and prioritize your happiness, even if it means walking away from what’s familiar.

Now, at 60, I’ve built a life that reflects who I am. I’ve made new friends, created a home that feels like my sanctuary, and pursued dreams I once thought were out of reach. Divorce gave me the space to grow into this version of myself—a woman who is independent, fulfilled, and unapologetically living her truth.