Ugh…yes, talking about divorce again.
One of my goals for the new year was to tackle any lingering issues I might have regarding my divorce. I don’t know why some insecurities and concerns have lingered so long, it will 4 years in May since my divorce was finalized.
Some people seem to move on so quickly. I thought I was one of them. And I was moving quickly at first and then I hit a giant brick wall, fell down and stayed there for way too long.
Something I never did was join a divorce support group or talk to a counselor. Looking back, I think I could have used it, but I had such a grand support system of family and friends, so I used them instead.
Fast forward to now……..I signed up for a 10 week class, titled Beyond Divorce, which is being offered through a local church.
I was ready to go and mingle with like minded people and tie up any post-divorce mental loose ends.
The first class was last Monday evening and I won’t be going back. And for good reason!
That first meeting was an overview of the program, scheduled speakers, discussion topics, etc.
After passing out a syllabus, the woman with the microphone went on and on about the course, and I began to literally and mentally check off all of the things I have accomplished during and after my divorce. I ended up checking off everything on the list. Seriously all 10 topics…I checked off. Did that, don’t need that, quickly learned that, already figured that out….and so on.
The program will focus on things like legal/lawyer questions and concerns, how to communicate with your ex, custody and child related issues, the impact of changing relationships, and so on.
So, while some participants shifted in their seats as the coordinator discussed the exercise where everyone will “share their stories” in small groups, I was silently feeling relieved.
Relieved that I had already hurdled these topics.
Relieved that I didn’t have many loose ends to tie up afterall.
And yes, relieved that I didn’t have to “share my story” with a group of strangers. Not that I would be scared to do so, I kinda dig that kind of stuff, but I’ve already been there and done that. That story is old, I don’t need to rehash it.
I am ready for a new story and I’m soaking in all of the possibilities that this year holds for me.
Well then, I guess I am officially “beyond divorce”.
